A Strangely Isolated Placehttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/Tue, 20 Mar 2018 02:11:43 +0000en-USSite-Server v6.0.0-13649-13649 (http://www.squarespace.com)Ambient and electronica music community and label.astrangelyisolatedplacehttps://feedburner.google.comEarth House Hold / Never Forget Us - Preorder ReleasesFeaturesRyan GriffinFri, 09 Mar 2018 01:01:04 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/jCt9JkJPZ68/earth-house-hold-never-forget-us-preorder54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5aa1da0cec212d3b14b1fb6e&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="earthhouseholdL.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5aa1dafc24a6943ee77dd2ba/1520556817515/earthhouseholdL.png" data-image-dimensions="2000x1000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5aa1dafc24a6943ee77dd2ba" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5aa1dafc24a6943ee77dd2ba/1520556817515/earthhouseholdL.png?format=1000w" />
<p>For those that know me and the origins of ASIP, I’ve been a massive fan of Brock’s for years now. Just being able to get him to <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2014/12/21/isolatedmix-50-bvdub-sleep-tight-ono">make a mix</a>&nbsp;for the blog was one of my biggest achievements! We bonded over some pink beer (don’t ask) in Seattle when he performed for <a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog?tag=Substrata%20Festival">Substrata festival</a> a few years ago, and continued to discuss all things music over email as time went on.</p><p>We’re both DJs at heart, and it was fascinating to hear Brock’s many stories—him throwing raves in fields and DJ’ing in basements at a time when the classic ‘house’ sound was still relatively new to the west coast of America. With our mutual passion for that sound, and talk of a release one day coming to fruition, Brock surprised me by asking if I’d like an Earth House Hold album for ASIP. At first, I was a little taken back, as I had never imagined Brock releasing a record under this alias on ASIP. But it was a no brainer for me personally; his first album as EEH is one of my all-time favorites, a truly underrated gem that any house head would love.</p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/3NWI3WrPZcY?rel=0&amp;wmode=opaque" width="700" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="400"></iframe><p>Brock started to send me some of the first tracks on the album, and it was startling to hear the progression he had in mind as one track followed the next. The album starts slow and druggy—not quite ambient music, but the same kind of feeling, and more and more instruments and elements become apparent as the album progresses. It’s one of those full listening session albums that you look back on and ask yourself where the hell you were for the last hour…. Brock has that ability to take you places.</p><p><em>Never Forget Us</em>&nbsp;will be available on April 9th, in both transparent-blue (300 copies) and black (200 copies) X2LP vinyl editions, housed in a gatefold sleeve, including digital download card.</p><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv011-earth-house-hold-never-forget-us">More information and links to buy </a></strong></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/album/never-forget-us">Buy on Bandcamp</a><strong>&nbsp;</strong>(Black and Blue editions)<br /><a target="_blank" href="https://www.juno.co.uk/labels/A+Strangely+Isolated+Place">Sign up to be notified of release on Juno</a> (UK/EU shipping - Black and Blue editions)</p><p><em>Note, more copies of both the Black and the Blue will be available at stores on release day, April 9th.&nbsp;</em></p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=363399198/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/album/never-forget-us">Never Forget Us by Earth House Hold</a></iframe>
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/jCt9JkJPZ68" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Earth House Hold / Never Forget Us - Preorderhttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/3/8/earth-house-hold-never-forget-us-preorderisolatedmix 76 - Dalot: Un-timeFeaturesisolatedmixMixesRyan GriffinWed, 21 Feb 2018 05:42:33 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/IyZ4rUpIQ4M/isolatedmix-76-dalot-un-time54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a8518b9652deaeccff54735&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="isolatedmix76.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a8519d8f9619a43e475d9ae/1518672372291/isolatedmix76.png" data-image-dimensions="1000x1000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a8519d8f9619a43e475d9ae" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a8519d8f9619a43e475d9ae/1518672372291/isolatedmix76.png?format=1000w" />
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://dalot.bandcamp.com/"><em>Maria Papadomanolaki</em></a>&nbsp;has been a part of the ASIP library for a few years now.&nbsp; One of the first artists that caught my ear on the<a target="_blank" href="https://n5md.com/"> <em>n5MD</em></a> label, I remember seeing <em>Maria </em>perform many-years ago in London alongside <em>Winterlight</em> and <em>port-royal. Dalot's</em>&nbsp;shoegaze-inspired ambient drones kicked off a brilliant night of relatively unheard artists from the <em>n5MD</em> roster that left me chasing down many back-catalogs as a newbie to <em>n5MD.</em></p><p>After providing a remix on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv001-uncharted-places"><em>Uncharted Places</em></a>, <em>Maria</em> was a part of our second vinyl compilation, <em><a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv002-europe/?rq=dalot">Europe</a></em>, finding harmony as she looked back at her home of Kalathas beach in Greece, and setting a warm and gracious tone as the opening track. Her music is often varied as far as ambient goes,&nbsp;from delicate micro-textures, to guitar-laden soundscapes, or as heard on her most recent outing for <em>n5MD </em>in<em> <a target="_blank" href="https://dalot.bandcamp.com/album/mutogibito">Mutogibito</a></em>;&nbsp;a moment of rebirth and celebration embracing her post-rock-side, whilst also toying with the more organic elements of experimental electronica.</p>
<img class="thumb-image" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a8cfed1c83025bb0980247e/1519189714888/" data-image-dimensions="1200x800" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a8cfed1c83025bb0980247e" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a8cfed1c83025bb0980247e/1519189714888/?format=1000w" />
<p>Just as you think you've got her down, <em>Maria</em> goes and partners with Vietnam's,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://soundawakener.bandcamp.com/"><em>Sound Awakener</em></a>, on a new project called <em>'<a target="_blank" href="http://www.fluidaudio.co.uk/2018/02/02/dalot-sound-awakener-little-things/">Little Things</a></em>', further venturing into microscopic details and varied textures; something the two of them have clearly enjoyed partnering on. Guitars, analog synthesizers and of course a multitude of field recordings create a truly rich and varied palette of ambient and experimental recordings on this release for <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.fluidaudio.co.uk/">Fluid Audio</a>.</em>&nbsp;It's music that's evidently filled with heart, obsessed over, and then completed with the tiniest of finishes in mind - a sentiment echoed in <em>Fluid Audio's</em> beautiful packaging for the release.</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2424765598/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://dalot.bandcamp.com/album/dalot-sound-awakener-little-things">Dalot &amp; Sound Awakener - Little Things by dalot</a></iframe><p>When I asked for a <em>Dalot</em>&nbsp;isolatedmix, I didn't know which way <em>Maria</em> would take it, but the end result works in harmony with how I began to describe her work alongside<em> Sound Awakener</em> in<em> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.fluidaudio.co.uk/2018/02/02/dalot-sound-awakener-little-things/">Little Things</a>.&nbsp;</em></p><p>Titled '<em>Un-time</em>', it's a mix of music that bleeds emotion, texture and escapism - all similar traits found in her latest production. A connoisseur of instrumental and organic based ambient music, <em>Maria </em>includes masters of the practice such as <em>Marsen Jules, Taylor Deupree</em> and <em>Harold Budd,</em>&nbsp;to create a blanket of warmth, as microscopic sounds of an abstract nature surround you.&nbsp;</p><p>In Maria's own words,&nbsp;<em>“Un-time offers an open space,&nbsp;a space for undoing and reflection and un-timing, of stepping out of time and the awareness of its passage;&nbsp; like a mayfly or a dewdrop with shades, and light and colours of many shapes and makings, mostly untimed.”</em></p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://dalot.bandcamp.com/album/dalot-sound-awakener-little-things"><em>Little Thing</em><em>s</em> is available now</a>.</p><iframe src="https://www.mixcloud.com/widget/iframe/?hide_cover=1&amp;feed=%2Fastrangelyisolatedplace%2Fisolatedmix-76-dalot-un-time%2F&amp;wmode=opaque" width="100%" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="120" ></iframe><p><a target="_blank" href="http://s141218.gridserver.com/mixes/isolatedmix76/isolatedmix76.mp3">Download.</a></p><p>Tracklist:</p><p>01. Eliane Radigue – L’ile Re-sonante (un-time edit)<br />02. Philip Jeck -&nbsp; The All of Water<br />03.&nbsp;Marsen Jules – Beatyfear VIII<br />04. Josh Mason – Infinite Crown of Shells<br />05. Taylor Deupree – Shoals<br />06. Christina Kubisch&nbsp; - Night Shift<br />07. Dalot &amp; Sound Awakener – Sailing<br />08. Sawako – Wind Shower Particle<br />09. Deaf Center – Fiction Dawn<br />10. Harold Budd – Children on the Hill</p><p>Artwork/image credit:: <a target="_blank" href="http://sonalidalal.tumblr.com/post/120846662688">sonalidalal</a></p><p><em>Dalot</em> on <a target="_blank" href="https://dalot.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.dalot.net/">Web</a> |&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://n5md.com/artist/dalot">n5MD</a></p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/IyZ4rUpIQ4M" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>isolatedmix 76 - Dalot: Un-timehttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/2/14/isolatedmix-76-dalot-un-timeThe National Pool - Relaxation Tape for Solo Space TravelFeaturesReviewsRyan GriffinWed, 21 Feb 2018 04:55:06 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/VmdjGaMhckk/the-national-pool-relaxation-tape-for-solo-space-travel54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a7fcd6d24a694ef192d1d5f&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="a0793109631_10.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a7fcd86e4966bd4a410016c/1518325131761/a0793109631_10.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1200x1200" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a7fcd86e4966bd4a410016c" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a7fcd86e4966bd4a410016c/1518325131761/a0793109631_10.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p>Oh, <a target="_blank" href="https://infraction.bandcamp.com/music"><em>Infraction</em></a>... thank god for labels that continue to dig deep and present us with obscure, original and refreshing ambient music. There, that's all I need to say on this one, right?...</p><p>Ask any record-store that stocks a half-decent ambient collection (at least in the US), and the shop-owner will pay their respect to the quality of releases that <em>Infraction</em> stand behind.&nbsp;The label that brought us <em>Parks</em>, <em>Offthesky &amp; Pleq, Drape, Celer</em> and many more, now unearth this Russian Cosmonaut inspired release by <em>The National Pool</em>.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3529642756/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://infraction.bandcamp.com/album/relaxation-tape-for-solo-space-travel">Relaxation Tape for Solo Space Travel by The National Pool</a></iframe><p>Harkening back to a time when the 'USSR' was an industrial power-house - when,&nbsp;<em>"Our moon stations made their incredible flights! The atomic icebreaker was put into operation and the construction of the world's largest nuclear power plants is successfully happening",&nbsp;</em>the release is like a half-speed black-and-white news video of the great successes and celebrations of the Russian people.</p><p>I can see the Cosmonauts boarding their aircraft, and the people waving their flags from the lookout deck. I picture the space shuttle leaving the Earth's orbit as the Cosmonauts looked at each other in disbelief, realizing the gravitas of their situation and the fact a whole nation is behind them - caught within a tin-can hurtling into pitch black nothingness.&nbsp;</p><p>No wonder they needed a relaxation tape...&nbsp;</p><p>So far, it sounds like a clear ambient cliché&nbsp;- and you're probably expecting space samples, radio interceptions and Russian distress signals. Whilst the release isn't devoid of these things, it goes several steps further in providing sometimes melancholic piano moments in <em>Net Rain</em>, and <em>Gas</em> inspired textures in <em>Brick Cloud - Area 2,&nbsp;</em>rounding out an incredible release that paints a truly vivid picture of a moment in time, all through the porthole of a USSR Cosmonaut, thousands of feet up in the air.&nbsp;</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://infraction.bandcamp.com/album/relaxation-tape-for-solo-space-travel">Available on Bandcamp.&nbsp;</a></p>
<img class="thumb-image" alt="0012105408_10.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a8cf7ef085229f91246b73e/1519187955143/0012105408_10.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1200x600" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a8cf7ef085229f91246b73e" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a8cf7ef085229f91246b73e/1519187955143/0012105408_10.jpg?format=1000w" />
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/VmdjGaMhckk" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>The National Pool - Relaxation Tape for Solo Space Travelhttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/2/10/the-national-pool-relaxation-tape-for-solo-space-travelOurson - Simple SanctuaryReviewsFeaturesRyan GriffinWed, 21 Feb 2018 04:27:18 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/21Qu6NxgucI/ourson-simple-sanctuary54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a8cef44c83025bb097d0a63&nbsp;
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<p><em>Luke Hazard</em>, aka <em>Ourson</em> is one of our original ASIP finds, dating back to 2011 when we stumbled across one of his first albums, <em>Warming Plant</em>. This album still remains one of his strongest in my opinion and indeed my favorite (if only for the brilliant opener in,&nbsp;<em>237)</em>. However <em>Luke's</em> latest offering includes tracks from as far back as 2006, ensuring an overlap with the <em>Warming Plant</em>-production-era and a promise of similar-sounding textures.&nbsp;</p><p>Whilst <em>Ourson</em>&nbsp;can also be heard capturing some amazing field recordings in '<a target="_blank" href="https://ourson.bandcamp.com/album/collected-natures"><em>Collected Natures</em></a>', his latest album <em>Simple Sanctuary</em> gets back to the lo-fi, deep and textured recordings that made <em>Warming Plant</em> so special. Just like the artwork depicts, a very subtle, perhaps off-kilter edit on what would be a very innocent scene, Luke's music follows a similar suit. Extended drones harbor amongst echoes and reverb, with subtle melodies punctuating an otherwise dense blanket of rumbling bass, static and distant filed recordings.&nbsp;</p><p>Whilst some tracks, like <em>Gems Of The Dry Season</em>, ring hope and light, others such as <em>Sunbeams Through Treelines</em> portray a more ghostly and ethereal sense. There's often a very deep, driving swell amongst <em>Luke's</em> music, pushing it along into (sometimes) deep-dubby-techno-territory, with &nbsp;tracks such as <em>We Fell (The Well) </em>immersing the listener into a cloudier, more cotton-wool based <em>Deepchord</em> world. It all makes for a varied and emotional listening experience, invoking the kind of nostalgia you can only get from old equipment, and a musician with his ear to the ground.&nbsp;</p><p>Luke calls is "<em>sci-fi ambient for dusty basement tape decks</em>", and to be honest, I couldn't put it better myself.&nbsp;</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://ourson.bandcamp.com/album/simple-sanctuary">Available on Bandcamp</a></p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=444027837/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://ourson.bandcamp.com/album/simple-sanctuary">Simple Sanctuary by Ourson</a></iframe>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/21Qu6NxgucI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Ourson - Simple Sanctuaryhttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/2/20/ourson-simple-sanctuaryJames Zabiela / Balance 029 (Feat. Merrin Karras' 'Void')FeaturesReleasesRyan GriffinFri, 16 Feb 2018 21:26:07 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/0Qla7E7jHlU/merrin-karras-void-featured-on-james-zabielas-mix-cd-for-balance54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a8737b824a69413ba8c15b2&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="balance_jz_packshot_lores.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a8737d9652dea1fa14071c2/1518811140172/balance_jz_packshot_lores.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1200x1200" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a8737d9652dea1fa14071c2" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a8737d9652dea1fa14071c2/1518811140172/balance_jz_packshot_lores.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p>Flash-back to 2003(ish), I'm spending my weekend in the great British countryside at <em>Homelands festival</em> - a now defunct franchise that was one of the best dance music festival alternatives to the ever-indie-focused Glastonbury. Not content with two-days of dancing in a field, a few friends and I decided to drive to the coastal town of Southampton to jump on a boat the next day and see <em>James Zabiela</em> do his thing, whilst we nonchalantly sailed around the harbor.</p><p>This was at a time when CDJ's were only just becoming the norm for mixing, and James was one of the only DJ's doing anything better than looping a few Defected vocals... James had turned the CDJ's into a performance of its own, combining additional effects units, Kaoss Pads, (likely) prototypes from Pioneer, and his electro-acid techno. It was in retrospect, one of my favorite DJ experiences, watching someone behind the controls up close, swaying back and forth (from the boat, of course).&nbsp;</p><p>James duly continued on his upward trajectory and is now one of dance music's most celebrated technical DJ's. His '<em>Alive</em>' mix CD from 2004 contains one of my all-time favorite transitions - <a target="_blank" href="https://youtu.be/u0dRdpAu4BA?t=18m10s">those goose-bump-inducing moments</a> that stick with you forever as an aspiring DJ - when the slow-burning synths of <em>Underworld's 'Dark &amp; Long' </em>gradually<em>&nbsp;</em>grew under the electro-tinge of <em>Rob Mello's 'Fantasize (No Ears dub)'.</em>&nbsp;</p>
<img class="thumb-image" alt="IMG_4802.JPG" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a874a1f0d929746aa3d8d28/1518815785667/IMG_4802.JPG" data-image-dimensions="1453x1453" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a874a1f0d929746aa3d8d28" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a874a1f0d929746aa3d8d28/1518815785667/IMG_4802.JPG?format=1000w" />
<p>Since then, mirroring a general trend across the industry, DJ "mix CD's" have taken a back-seat to the onslaught of streaming activity and the newfound ability for anyone to upload mixes to <em>Soundcloud </em>or <em>Mixcloud</em>. The commercialization of mixes became less desirable to labels and curators when faced with the fact DJ's could upload something on a whim for their audience to hear in a matter of minutes. For free, with no licensing concerns.</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.balancemusic.com.au/balance-series/james-zabiela-balance-029/"><em>The Balance Series</em></a>, however, have stuck with their guns with a steady churn of quality CD-first mixes over the years. The Australian based label, helmed by <em>Tom Pandzic</em>, has played home to one of my all-time favorite mixes in 2003 (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/James-Holden-Balance-005/master/535918"><em>James Holden's Balance 005</em></a>) as well as&nbsp; notable mixes from <em>Joris Voorn, Nick Warren</em> and <em>Danny Howells</em> amongst many others. All this to say very simply, two of my favorite musical entities have now combined, with an added ASIP dimension...</p><iframe allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/mtjMe34uHRA?wmode=opaque" width="700" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="400"></iframe><p><em>James Zabiela's</em> latest addition to the series is a welcome return to the art of the mix CD. For those that grew up listening to <em>Sasha, Digweed</em> and the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/label/333447-Global-Underground-Series"><em>Global Underground</em></a> series, you'll know just what I mean.</p><p>After an arduous year spent compiling, the deserved result is an intertwined journey of the many varying aspects of electronic music - a blueprint for what a truly passionate and time-inducing mix should become. Add to that, the technical wizardry (and added restraint) of <em>Zabiela</em>, and the seamlessness and innovation contained across the two 'Acts' is impeccable.&nbsp;</p><p class="text-align-center"><em>"Some people know me for my technical noodling but this really had to be about the music, whilst still challenging myself technically. My focus was very heavily on melody and combining songs that would have ‘conversations’ with each other." - James Zabiela</em></p><p>This approach is perhaps best highlighted for those of us who may recognize ASIP's very own <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv005-merrin-karras-apex"><em>Merrin Karras</em></a> within the tracklist. Brendan's track, '<em>Void</em>' forming a euphoric moment of progression when paired with the heavy-hitting broken beats of <em>Pev &amp; Kowton</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>You'll also hear tracks in here from <em>Goldmund (Helios) </em>and <em>Steve Hauschildt</em> for example, but whether you recognize them amongst the many edits, layers and transitions, is another question, often serving as intros or melodies amongst a greater sound.&nbsp;</p><p>James' mix also serves as a great snapshot in time for me personally. Not only am I extremely happy to see ASIP artists being picked up (or even listened to) in this capacity, but the great variety of labels and artists that are featured here are a perfect example of the type of music I'm enjoying these past few years. The&nbsp; previously mentioned artists of course, alongside music and artists from <em>Northern Electronics, Mule Musiq, Traum</em> (see <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2010/11/05/traumbient"><em>Traumbient</em></a>), <em>I Love Acid, Delsin</em>... I could go on, but then I'm just describing 90% of the track list.&nbsp;</p><p>A big thank you to James for digging deep, looking beyond the norm and spending the time to curate such a considered and insightful journey, whilst capturing the very essence of electronic music over the past few years. Perhaps, this mix will serve as a pivotal moment in time, when the need for something greater then a streamed mix compiled in a couple of weeks, plays a back seat to a physical mix obsessed over for many months.&nbsp;The bar just got put back up.&nbsp;</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.balancemusic.com.au/balance-series/james-zabiela-balance-029/">More info and links to buy.&nbsp;</a></p><iframe allow="autoplay" scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/363276104&amp;color=%23c4acac&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;wmode=opaque" width="100%" data-embed="true" frameborder="no" height="166"></iframe><p><em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv005-merrin-karras-apex">Buy Merrin Karras' album, Apex.&nbsp;</a></em></p><p><strong>James Zabiela / Balance 029 : Tracklisting</strong></p><p>ACT 1<br />1. Sapphire Slows – Silent Escape [Mundus]<br />2. Kornél Kovács – Szikra [Studio Barnhus]<br />3. Barry Lynn – Alpha Tauri [Touch Sensitive]<br />4. Earlham Mystics – Truth [Notown]<br />5. B12 – Untold [Central Processing Unit]<br />6. VC-118A – Face the Waves [Lunar Disko Records]<br />7. Grandbrothers – Bloodflow [City Slang]<br />8. Sad City – Steady Jam [Emotional Response]<br />9. Talaboman – Safe Changes [R&amp;S Records]<br />10. Francisco Branda – Hyena [Traumuart]<br />11. Ecco Foul – Gloss [Ecco Foul]<br />12. Pye Corner Audio – Dead Ends [I Love Acid]<br />13. HOLOVR – Into Light [Further]<br />14. Debussy – Reverie 68 [Second Story &amp; Appleblim Rework) [Decca]<br />15. Island People – Distance 7 [Raster]<br />16. Oddhoody – The Deep [Electronic Tapes]<br /><a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv005-merrin-karras-apex"><strong>17. Merrin Karras – Void [A Strangely Isolated Place]</strong></a><br />18. Pev &amp; Kowton – Junked [Hessle Audio]<br />19. Davis – Plenitude [Live at Robert Johnson]<br />20. Ozel AB – Positronic Dreams [Workshop]<br />21. OOBE – Crush Mind [Blueberry]<br />22. Courser – Distances [Electronic Emergencies]<br />23. James Zabiela – Vines [Balance / Born Electric]<br />24. AAAA – Jazz D [Omnidisc]<br />25. ARCHITECTURAL – Cubismo 8.2 (Lost in Buenos Aires I) [Architectural]</p><p>ACT 2<br />1. Goldmund – Thread [Friends of Friends]<br />2. Earlham Mystics – Waters [Notown]<br />3. Steve Hauschildt – Horizon of Appearances [Kranky]<br />4. Radio Slave – Children of The E (KiNK SP1200 Mix) [Running Back]<br />5. Avalon Emerson – The Frontier (High Desert Synthapella) [Whities]<br />6. James Zabiela – X-Ray [Balance / Born Electric]<br />7. Mak &amp; Pasteman – Pulses [Mak &amp; Pasteman]<br />8. Pisetzky – Vahana [Just This]<br />9. Lanark Artefax – Touch Absence [Whities]<br />10. John Beltran – Under This Sky [Delsin]<br />11. Lawrence – Simmer (Lake People Remix) [Mule Musiq]<br />12. Solitary Dancer – Paradise Found (Rapture Version) [Graded]<br />13. Chambray – Cerulean [Ultramajic]<br />14. Silas &amp; Snare – Memories [Brotherhood Sound System]<br />15. Redlight – City Jams [Hot Haus]<br />16. Lake People – Delusive [Mule Musiq]<br />17. Truncate – WRKTRX 3 [Truncate]<br />18. Rod – Pull (with Christina) [Klockworks]<br />19. Plant43 – Frozen Monarch [Frustrated Funk]<br />20. Sinfol – Crystalline featuring Barbara Ford [Anagram]<br />21. Steve Parker – Acid Planet [Planet Rhythm]<br />22. Fabrizio Lapiana – Far Away [Figure Jams]<br />23. SHDW &amp; Obscure Shape – Augen der Nacht (Ryan James Ford Version) [From Another Mind]<br />24. Benjamin Damage – Montreal [R&amp;S Records]<br />25. Mark Henning – Expander Six [Soma]<br />26. Special Request – Carex Vesicaria [Houndstooth]<br />27. Wata Igarashi – Lucifero [Midgar]<br />28. Paper Dollhouse – Crayons [MoonDome]<br />29. A Sagittariun – Vanishing Point [Hypercolour]<br />30. Anthony Linell – Fractal Vision [Northern Electronics]<br />31. Hans Berg – In Dreams [The Vinyl Factory]<br />32. Sine Sleeper – Closing [Traum Schallplatten]<br />33. J. Mono – Sspses [Dalmata Daniel]</p><p> </p><p> </p><p> </p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/0Qla7E7jHlU" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>James Zabiela / Balance 029 (Feat. Merrin Karras' 'Void')http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/2/16/merrin-karras-void-featured-on-james-zabielas-mix-cd-for-balanceDewtone releases full back catalog of beautiful ambient and dub-techno recordingsFeaturesReleasesRyan GriffinTue, 06 Feb 2018 04:53:03 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/t-4ksrRJ168/dewtone-releases-full-catalog-free-of-charge54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a7923180d92973619e265a6&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="27368254_10156065699009347_2175302010247258221_o.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a79235508522976eac1590d/1517888373321/27368254_10156065699009347_2175302010247258221_o.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1080x1080" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a79235508522976eac1590d" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a79235508522976eac1590d/1517888373321/27368254_10156065699009347_2175302010247258221_o.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p>Our good friends at <a target="_blank" href="http://dewtonerecordings.com/"><em><strong>Dewtone</strong></em></a> announced some bitter-sweet news recently. The deep and organic ambient and dub-techno label have put their entire Bandcamp catalog up for free (or a very low price to have it in your collection).&nbsp;</p><p>The label has been quiet as of late, so it might not come as a surprise that label founder <em>Dustin Morris</em> has been busy planning new ventures. This gracious move to open up the back catalog, perhaps signaling a change in direction sometime in the future. Fingers crossed we see <em>Dewtone</em> back with even more deep and emotional ambient music.&nbsp;</p><p>There's a wealth of albums to choose from, and whilst you should no doubt download every single release (not a bad one amongst them), we wanted to reflect on five standout tracks.&nbsp;It's a tough choice given the quality throughout the catalog, but ASIP has been supporting <em>Dewtone</em> from the very early years, pre-2012, so some releases have a little sentimental value attached to them. This made it slightly easier for certain tracks to stand out and pinpoint personal memories and moments as both ASIP and <em>Dewtone</em> evolved over the years.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://dewtonerecordings.com/music">Download the catalog on Bandcamp.&nbsp;</a></strong></p><p><br /><strong>Bjorn Rohde /&nbsp;I Began To Float</strong><br />Perhaps one of <em>Dewtone's</em> most ominous and sincere tracks, but <em>Bjorn Rohde's</em>,&nbsp;<em>Forgotten Hearts</em> is a story unto itself - heartbreak and adventure.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=104762957/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=3932070297/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://dewtonerecordings.com/album/forgotten-hearts">Forgotten Hearts by Bjorn Rohde</a></iframe><p><strong>Purl &amp; Deflektion / Growing</strong><br />If you enjoyed <em>Lav &amp; Purl's</em> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv007-lav-purl-a-state-of-becoming"><em>A State of Becoming</em></a>, there's plenty for you to dig into amongst the <em>Dewtone</em> catalog, with <em>Purl</em> featuring across several releases (as himself and some of his many other monikers) and <a target="_blank" href="http://dewtonerecordings.com/album/plant-intelligence"><em>Lav</em></a>, too.&nbsp;But it was this beat-laden production with<em> Olle Hallqvist (Deflektion) </em>that really made me realize the never-ending innovative approaches ready and willing within <em>Ludvig (Purl's)</em>&nbsp;innovative mind.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3626578619/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1278654575/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://dewtonerecordings.com/album/growing">Growing by Purl, Deflektion</a></iframe><p><strong>Sebastian Paul / Zen Temple</strong><br />One of the later releases on the label, <em>Sebastian Paul's</em> album <em>Warm Night Fall</em>, really struck a chord with me. Perhaps it was my similarly timed visit to Japan and a chance to reflect, or maybe the extremely engrossing textures and minutiae sound design. A lesson in doing so much with so little.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2686340477/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1606341461/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://dewtonerecordings.com/album/warm-night-fall">Warm Night Fall by Sebastian Paul</a></iframe><p><strong>Segue / House of Cards</strong><br /><em>Dewtone</em> also curated &nbsp;a selection of compilations that included artists and labels they admired and were inspired by called,&nbsp;<em>Foundations</em>. Their second edition, <em>'Foundations II</em>', featured <em>Segue</em>, amongst many others, and his contribution,&nbsp;<em>House of Cards</em> formed my first introduction to his works, ultimately going on to release superb solo efforts on <em>Silent Season,</em> such as<em> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2013/02/06/segue-pacifica?rq=dewtone">Pacifica</a>.&nbsp;</em></p><iframe seamless src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=608048464/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=1871959141/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://dewtonerecordings.com/album/foundations-2">Foundations 2 by Segue</a></iframe><p><strong>Halo / Hollow City</strong><br />Halo is one of those under-the-radar composers that deserves so much more attention. His <em><a target="_blank" href="https://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/album/song-of-the-highest-tower">Places Series EP</a></em>, for example, and this album from 2012 on <em>Dewtone</em>. Tell me you can't hear the same delicate genius of <em>Nils Frahm</em> or <em>Jon Hopkins</em> in this track (and this album). And then remember.&nbsp;<em>Pasquale</em>, who is young now, let alone six-years ago,&nbsp;put this album together way before the nu-modern-classical-wave we know today.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2449095213/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/track=4130348777/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://dewtonerecordings.com/album/late-winter-tales">Late Winter Tales by Halo</a></iframe><p>Listen to <em>Dewtone</em> founder,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2012/06/17/dustin-morris-waterscape-i-asip-exclusive?rq=dewtone">Dustin's exclusive ASIP mix</a> from a few years back, featuring many other<em>&nbsp;</em>favorites in a similar style to the label.&nbsp;</p><p> </p><p> </p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/t-4ksrRJ168" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Dewtone releases full back catalog of beautiful ambient and dub-techno recordingshttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/2/5/dewtone-releases-full-catalog-free-of-chargePortals: The Bandcamp Ambient CompilationFeaturesPortalsRyan GriffinSun, 28 Jan 2018 04:11:00 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/b4zy91BDCJI/portals-the-bandcamp-ambient-compilation54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a6d121b9140b70ed93671e5&nbsp;
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<p>Music platforms are consistently reinventing music listening and purchasing behavior. My experience with music discovery began with <em>P2P</em> sharing platforms such as <em>Soulseek</em>, evolving into the discovery-era of <em>Pandora</em> and <em>Last.fm</em>, and the playlist era of <em>8tracks</em>, <em>Spotify</em> and <em>Apple Music</em>. But one platform reigns supreme when it comes to <em>independent</em> music discovery...&nbsp;Bandcamp.</p><p>This isn't a moment to talk about how great Bandcamp is. Instead, I wanted to focus on just one of the behaviors the platform has enabled, that isn't really possible anywhere else. The notion of like-minded individuals and labels coming together to create music compilations to purchase, and in many instances,&nbsp;for the benefit of a greater cause. Along with donating profits in aid of <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/2/3/nobannowall-bandcamp-recommends">global movements</a>, Bandcamp has inadvertently enabled an easy way to spread music for the greater good.</p><p>Sure, you can create playlists as compilations, but you risk seeing no profit (and it's streaming...). You can create physical releases, but then you have to overcome the barriers of production and distribution.&nbsp;Or, in the many instances we see, you can create a Bandcamp compilation, with high-quality downloads, fan feedback, added discovery mechanisms, and likely, a better return than anywhere else. This approach is a shining light in a world where the debate rages over the monopolization of playlists, underpaid artist royalties and, "<em><a target="_blank" href="https://thebaffler.com/salvos/the-problem-with-muzak-pelly">The problem with Muzak</a></em>".&nbsp;</p><p>Whilst I'm sure this isn't a genre-specific behavior on Bandcamp it seems there's a good amount of compilations focused on ambient and electronic music. They're often established as reactions to political or natural disasters, self-sustained labels who solely operate to donate to charity, or they're quite simply, just an excuse to pull together a few like-minded friends and get some good music out into the world.&nbsp;</p><p>Below I've pulled together a list of my favorite ambient/electronic compilations that aim to raise money for a cause through Bandcamp. As with all of the <em>Portals</em> features, the main objective is to help you discover even more great music, and this time you can do it knowing you're supporting something greater. Lastly, by a very rough count, you can spend less than $100 supporting the below 8 compilations and charities, and be 350+ tracks better off...</p><hr /><p><strong>Disquiet Series [<a target="_blank" href="http://store.unseen-music.com/album/disquiet-vol-1">Buy on Bandcamp</a>]</strong><br /><em>Purpose: for charity (multiple)</em><br /><em>Keith Kenniff</em>&nbsp;is a brilliant ambient and classical musician in his own right, but for the <em>Disquiet</em> series of compilations (we're on <a target="_blank" href="http://store.unseen-music.com/album/disquiet-vol-2">#2</a> as of July 2017), he teams up with his wife, <em>Hollie</em>, to curate some of the most essential ambient, neoclassical and experimental music one can need. <em>Ben Lukas Boysen, Eluvium, Julia Kent, Ryuichi Sakamoto, Windy &amp; Carl, Hammock</em>... the list goes on.&nbsp;</p><p>This isn't Keith's first venture into compilations for good either, as his,&nbsp;<em><a target="_blank" href="http://unseen.bigcartel.com/product/for-nihon-various">For Nihon</a></em> release in aid of the Japan Earthquake is one of the best ambient compilations of recent years, charity or not.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="http://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1152569628/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://store.unseen-music.com/album/disquiet-vol-1">Disquiet, Vol.1 by Various</a></iframe><hr /><p><strong>Dronarivm - Illuminations [<a target="_blank" href="https://dronarivm.bandcamp.com/album/illuminations-ii-the-new-year-2018-charity-compilation">Buy on Bandcamp</a>]</strong><br /><em>Purpose: for charity (4 Paws For Ability)</em><br />Home to <em>Olan Mill, Offthesky, Dag Rosenqvist, Segue, Pleq, Sven Laux</em> and many more,&nbsp;the <em>Dronarivm</em> label is one of the most consistent outputs amongst the ambient genre, and with its now yearly<em> Illuminations</em> compilations, it's creating yet another reason to pay close attention to the busy roster of emerging musicians.&nbsp;After its <a target="_blank" href="https://dronarivm.bandcamp.com/album/illuminations-the-new-year-2017-free-compilation">2017 edition</a>, the 2018 release featured many of the labels own great artists alongside, <em>Loscil, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/artists-purl">Ludvig Cimbrelius</a>, Jacaszek</em> and more, all available for a minimum 1-Euro payment.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=879880633/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://dronarivm.bandcamp.com/album/illuminations-ii-the-new-year-2018-charity-compilation">Illuminations II (The New Year 2018 charity compilation) by Various Artists</a></iframe><hr /><p><strong>Memories Overlooked: A Tribute To The Caretaker [<a target="_blank" href="https://caretakertribute.bandcamp.com/album/memories-overlooked-a-tribute-to-the-caretaker">Buy on Bandcamp</a>]</strong><br /><em>Purpose: for charity (Alzheimers Association)</em><br /><em>Leyland Kirby's</em> infamous project,<em> The Caretaker</em> is currently in the midst of a special concept based on dementia.&nbsp; His latest release, Everywhere at the end of time "<em>is a new and finite series exploring dementia, its advance and its totality</em>". As if these melancholic and introspective productions weren't enough, this charity compilation reimagines 100 of <em>The Caretaker's</em> works to fuel the generosity and further raise awareness of the disease.</p><p><em>"In proper fashion, this compilation was diagnosed with having early onset dementia, and is mixed and arranged in accordance with the advancement of the disease. Every passing hour, to quote Mr. Kirby in regards to his 'Everywhere At The End Of Time' series, "will reveal new points of progression, loss and disintegration".</em></p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2086143994/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://caretakertribute.bandcamp.com/album/memories-overlooked-a-tribute-to-the-caretaker">Memories Overlooked: A Tribute To The Caretaker by Various Artists</a></iframe><hr /><p><strong>Headphone Commute ...and darkness came [<a target="_blank" href="https://headphonecommute.bandcamp.com/album/and-darkness-came">Buy on Bandcamp</a>]</strong><br /><em>Purpose: for charity (Hurricane Sandy)</em><br />87-tracks curated by one of the finest ambient, modern-classical and experimental blogs out there, means you know you're in for quality and quantity.&nbsp;A fine place to start or get lost in, with inclusions from the 'pop-stars' of the genre, <em>Nils Frahm</em> and <em>Olafur Arnalds</em>, alongside many other <em>HC</em> friends, favorites and talented artists that deserve your ears just as much as anyone else on the track list.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3931134604/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://headphonecommute.bandcamp.com/album/and-darkness-came">... and darkness came by Various</a></iframe><hr /><p><strong>Composure - Ambient Techno for Japan [<a target="_blank" href="https://mindgames.bandcamp.com/album/composure-ambient-techno-for-japan">Buy on Bandcamp</a>]</strong><br /><em>Purpose: for charity (Japan Earthquake)</em><br />This compilation started as a CD, but was then placed on Bandcamp to further aid its good cause, so it's still worth a mention based on how defining this compilation has become. It could be argued this compilation single-handedly opened up a world of ambient music lovers to a new breed of 'ambient techno' emerging from Japan's <em>Mindgames</em> camp, and similarly introduced a mellowed take on techno to the dance-floor savvy. It's the one place to start if you have any interest in the ambient and techno spectrum, featuring producers such as <em>Donato Dozzy</em>, <em>Rod Modell (Deepchord), Donnacha Costello, Minilogue</em> and many others.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2918379482/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://mindgames.bandcamp.com/album/composure-ambient-techno-for-japan">Composure - Ambient Techno for Japan by Various Artists</a></iframe><hr /><p><strong>Touched Music (various) [<a target="_blank" href="https://touched.bandcamp.com/">Buy on Bandcamp</a>]</strong><br /><em>Purpose: for charity (Macmillan Cancer Relief)</em><br />Curated by <em>Martin Boulton</em>, this UK-based label is synonymous with not only a series of epic charity compilations,&nbsp;but the ability to present releases by many classic, favorite and sometimes forgotten electronic musicians such as <em>Autechre, Plaid</em> and <em>Future Sound of London</em>. <em>Touched's</em>&nbsp;latest compilation, <em><a target="_blank" href="https://touched.bandcamp.com/album/found-sound">Found Sound</a></em>, features unreleased material from <em>John Tejada, FSOL </em>and<em> <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2009/09/27/isolatedmix-03-milieu">Milieu</a>&nbsp;</em>to name just a few of my muses, and I'm pretty certain the collection of tracks on the anonymous <em><a target="_blank" href="https://touched.bandcamp.com/album/covert-ii">Covert</a></em>&nbsp;compilations feature even bigger names in the electronic genre, albeit incognito.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1514405842/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://touched.bandcamp.com/album/found-sound">Found Sound by Touched Music</a></iframe><hr /><p><strong>Grenzwellen Eins [<a target="_blank" href="https://grenzwellen.bandcamp.com/album/grenzwellen-eins">Buy on Bandcamp</a>]</strong><br /><em>Purpose: Radio Compilation</em><br />Curated by <em>Ecki Stieg</em>, host of <em><a target="_blank" href="http://radio-hannover.divicon-stream.net/rhann_livestrea_zqu6-mp3-192?sABC=5n6q2op6%230%23np08o893qs88o31s573r94q36q52484r%23Teramjryyra&amp;amsparams=playerid:Grenzwellen;skey:1517104070">Hannover Radio station</a>&nbsp;</em>show,<em> "Grenzwellen", </em>Ecki<em>&nbsp;</em>promotes a refined selection of electronic music and this recent compilation was created to raise money for the station upkeep. <em>Ecki</em> has pulled many of his favorite artists together for the cause, with the likes of <em>Ulrich Schnauss, Hecq, Hotel Neon</em>, and <em>Arovane</em>, featuring alongside lesser-known artists for you to dig your discovery hungry teeth into.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1924389055/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://grenzwellen.bandcamp.com/album/grenzwellen-eins">Grenzwellen Eins by Grenzwellen</a></iframe><hr /><p><strong>Lost In The Humming Air (Music inspired by Harold Budd) [<a target="_blank" href="https://oktaf.bandcamp.com/album/lost-in-the-humming-air-music-inspired-by-harold-budd">Buy on Bandcamp</a>]</strong><br /><em>Purpose: for charity (Unknown)</em><br />Ambient pioneer <em>Harold Budd</em> is reinterpreted by a new school of ambient producers, including <em>bvdub,&nbsp;Biosphere, Loscil, Taylor Deupree </em>and <em>Deaf Center</em>. Released in the 50th anniversary-year of Budd's career, the compilation was conceived and curated by <em>Marsen Jules</em> and <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/artists-rafael-anton-irisarri">Rafael Anton Irisarri</a>.&nbsp;</em><em>Budd's</em> works are legendary and this compilation does many of them justice.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3604367575/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://oktaf.bandcamp.com/album/lost-in-the-humming-air-music-inspired-by-harold-budd">Lost In The Humming Air (Music inspired by Harold Budd) by Various Artists</a></iframe>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/b4zy91BDCJI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Portals: The Bandcamp Ambient Compilationhttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/1/27/portals-the-bandcamp-ambient-compilationisolatedmix 75 - Hypnus RecordsFeaturesisolatedmixMixesRyan GriffinSun, 21 Jan 2018 22:05:07 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/Z0U6fzi-wKM/isolatedmix-75-hypnus-records54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a63fd52e4966be2944e2687&nbsp;
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<p>There’s always something stirring in the depths of the techno realm, but the majority of it on my radar lately seems to be heralding from the lovely country of Sweden.&nbsp;</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://hypnusrecords.bandcamp.com/"><em>Hypnus Records</em></a> label owner <em>Michel </em>is not sure why there’s been an amazing output of deep techno coming from his country in the past few years, notably through labels like <em>Northern Electronics</em> (home to <em>Varg, Isorinne, Acronym</em> et al), and his very own <em>Hypnus Records</em>, but for us listeners, this deeply hypnotic sound is converging the best emotional elements of ambient music, with the trusty techno rub. &nbsp;When asked if there was something in the water, <em>Michel</em> described Sweden as more of a distraction than an inspiration;</p><p><em>"The realm of Hypnus lies more in the imagination. Sweden, and society in general, feels more distracting than inspiring”. </em></p><p><em>Michel</em> is perhaps unknowingly describing the very root of the techno movement - an inspiration to release and break free from society, happening here once again, but this time in his home country of Sweden.</p><p>If pushed, he would probably describe his label’s sound as <em>“curious and immersive electronic music”</em> after once trying to label it as "<em>psychedelic deep techno</em>”, but only to realize this genre in itself was already established, and his output was different. Either way, to him<em> “it’s highly psychedelic as it is synthetically cinematic”</em>. To the casual listener, it’s techno. But to me and many others, it represents the perfect blend of atmospheric ambient music and heads-down-4-am-stompers.</p><p>Much of <em>Hypnus’</em> output retains the basic elements of techno we’re used to;&nbsp;repetition, synthesizers and a sense of progressive euphoria, albeit with a mysterious, bubbly and intriguing feel that’s more akin to the atmosphere found in dub-techno. The label was founded as a result of <em>Michel </em>wanting to release music by some producers he enjoyed on Soundcloud:&nbsp;<em>"I had just recently lost my job which left me with some extra cash that I decided to spend on curating the first Hypnus record”.</em> That record, was released in 2014 - not so long ago, given the extensive output and impact of the label so far, which as now gone on to introduce the world to the sounds of<em> Luigi Tozzi, Feral, BLNDR, Primal Code, Michel’s</em> own techno alias, <em>Ntogn </em>and many, many more.</p><p><em>Michel's</em>&nbsp;self-discovered techno community has gone on to become a close-knit bunch of friends that share the roster, retaining a distinct aesthetic and a consistent output.&nbsp;</p><p><em>"I met Luigi and Tom (BLNDR) through Soundcloud many years ago while Alessandro (Feral) and Jakob (Skymn) came into the label through common friends. Over time we’ve all grown closer as we’ve had chances to meet all over the world and this is really a great reward for me. It is a special feeling listening to the music of a friend, hearing the whistles and gales of their mind”.</em></p><p>The likes of <em>Luigi Tozzi’s</em> techno is comparable to the euphoria of mastermind <em>Donato Dozzy</em> and the associated Italian techno-mafia that have long held the crown for this style of music. <em>BLNDR</em>, who recently contributed to <em>Silent Season’s</em> tenth anniversary release, represents an even deeper and more hubby sound; whilst Feral features more tribal tendencies. Skymn, lives up to the more ambient/psychedelic sound you might draw comparisons with the likes of <em>Future Sound Of London</em>, for example. And if that wasn’t enough to stretch your techno spectrum, <em>Michel</em> is also running two sub-labels: <em>Kabalion</em> (a slightly more intense, techno output) and <em>Tome</em>, home to <em>Michel’s</em> personal project as <em>Ntogn</em>.</p><p><em>Michel's</em> isolatedmix takes us on a journey through the various elements of <em>Hypnus</em>, opening with ambient and quickly moving into the distinct sound we’ve come to love from the label. Describing his thought process behind the mix, Michel notes:<em>&nbsp;“spontaneously I felt that I wanted to make an intro of the first four tracks, although initially I had my mind set on a different order. Eventually they fit better this way and after that I just followed the mood and was happy to include some unreleased material”.</em></p><p>It’s a mix from a music-loving DJ-at-heart, as much as it is a collection of label-head tracks, with blended transitions, changes of pace and a growing progressive atmosphere throughout thats synonymous with the labels output. <em>“One of my favorites is maybe at 30-34 mins where a couple of Alessandro’s and Primal Code’s unreleased tracks flow into each other. Both when the shakes come at 30:06 and the drop at 33:41 are sweet spots for my little DJ-heart”.</em>&nbsp;</p><p>Be sure to check out <em>Hypnus</em>’ full catalog on <a target="_blank" href="https://hypnus.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a>, as well as their very own <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/hypnus-memoirs"><em>Memoir Podcast</em></a>, featuring guest mixes from fellow artists and friends alike.</p><iframe scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/386755241&amp;color=%23848484&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;wmode=opaque" width="100%" data-embed="true" frameborder="no" height="166"></iframe><p><a target="_blank" href="http://s141218.gridserver.com/mixes/isolatedmix75/isolatedmix75.mp3"><strong>Download.</strong></a></p><p>Tracklist:</p><p>01. Feral - Heruka 4<br />02. Luigi Tozzi - Yavin 4 (Ambient Mix)<br />03. Luigi Tozzi - Epipelagic<br />04. Skymn - City Lights<br />05. Primal Code*<br />06. Primal Code - Jikan<br />07. Primal Code - Junkan (Luigi Tozzi's Interpretation)<br />08. Primal Code - Junkan<br />09. Feral - Krishna<br />10. Luigi Tozzi - Flusso Perpetuo<br />11. Primal Code*<br />12. Luigi Tozzi - Binary Sunset<br />13. Skymn - Okuyi (Korridor's Interpretation)<br />14. Luigi Tozzi - Yavin 4<br />15. Primal Code*<br />16. Feral*<br />17. Primal Code*<br />18. Luigi Tozzi - Subterrel<br />19. Luigi Tozzi - Jedha<br />20. Feral - Heruka 3<br />21. Skymn - Biker Scene<br />22. Luigi Tozzi - Chemosynthesis (Claudio PRC Remix)<br />23. Luigi Tozzi - Quetzalli<br />24. Luigi Tozzi - Mesopelagic Zone</p><p>* Forthcoming release.</p><p>Hypnus <a target="_blank" href="https://hypnusrecords.com/">web</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://hypnusrecords.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/hypnus">Soundcloud</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/hypnusrecords/">Facebook</a></p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/Z0U6fzi-wKM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/1/20/isolatedmix-75-hypnus-recordsChristian Kleine / Electronic Music From The Lost World: 1998-2001ReleasesFeaturesRyan GriffinMon, 15 Jan 2018 18:53:41 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/gaXRtlOVc_U/christian-kleine-electronic-music-from-the-lost-world-1998-200154f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a5cf1174192027c066608ee&nbsp;
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<p>A slightly new style of music for ASIP,&nbsp; but for those that know me, <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/3/14/city-centre-offices-interview-the-final-transmission?rq=city%20centre%20off">City Centre Offices</a></em> and the people that made up that label and the IDM/electronica sound of the late '90s, are big inspirations. We're very happy to host a home for some of Christian Kleine's early works - a time machine back to the early days of music software, when 808's were all that mattered and studio sessions with <em>Arovane,. Thaddi Herrmann</em> and <em>Ulrich Schnauss</em> were the Sunday norm.&nbsp;</p><p>~</p><p>1998, Berlin was a pivotal time for Germany’s <em>Christian Kleine</em>&nbsp;and electronic music as a whole. Growing-up amongst a divided city’s bleak aftermath, alongside hedonistic tendencies that birthed the likes of <em>Loveparade</em>, it was easy to be both inspired and rebellious at the same time. The influences of Detroit techno and rave culture started to travel, and artists were turning to new techniques and machinery, at a time when the bedroom, started to become a studio.&nbsp;</p><p>Christian would end up developing a new and unique sound, alongside a small but impactful community that eventually formed a cult artist roster on the <em>City Centre Offices</em>&nbsp;label. His background began in New Wave and Punk, eventually transitioning into DJ’ing in the early 90’s and then, into more electronic productions, with Jungle and drum’n bass his first muse.&nbsp;Christian was on the hunt for something different to what Berlin had to offer at the time, and with his first synth, (<em>Nordlead 1995</em>) and an Atari computer, Christian was creating his first drum’n bass tracks, sending them off to the local radio station, (<em>Kiss FM</em>) where he met future production partner and CCO label head,&nbsp;<em>Thaddeus Herrmann</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>Sunday morning studio time alongside Thaddi (as <em>Herrmann &amp; Kleine</em>), jam sessions with <em>Arovane</em>, and coffee with <em>Ulrich Schnauss</em>, continued to inspire and push Christian’s style. This small but influential group of producers would go on to define a melodic, and introspective style of music that now has a cult status amongst IDM, ambient and electronic music fans.</p><p>Becoming tired of functional productions, Christian was always interested in finding his own place and language, and continued to experiment further. Taking his inspiration from drum’n bass, and the company of <em>City Centre Offices</em>&nbsp;artists, Christian defined his unique style we know today. Intelligent drum programming met an ethereal and melodic synthesizer style. A delicate and introspective listen, or a hazy layer of bubbling activity and color, Christian’s music defies function and invites you into a world of personal reflection.&nbsp;</p><p>This collection of music is Christian's own moment to reflect. Going back to a time he misses; an intense period when producing music was the only thing that mattered. This is music that never saw the light of day; recovered from DAT and pressed on vinyl;&nbsp;<em>A Strangely Isolated Place</em>&nbsp;and <em>Christian Kleine</em>&nbsp;present <em>'Electronic Music From The Lost World: 1998-2001'.</em></p><p>Wish you were there...</p><p><em>Available on transparent green double vinyl and digital download. Mastered by Rafael Anton Irisarri at Black Knoll Studio. Featuring original Berlin-brutalist inspired artwork by Noah M / Keep Adding with photography by Midori Hirano.</em></p><p><strong>Buy at <a target="_blank" href="https://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/album/electronic-music-from-the-lost-world-1998-2001">Bandcamp</a></strong></p><p><strong>Buy at <a target="_blank" href="https://www.juno.co.uk/products/christian-kleine-electronic-music-from-the-lost/672697-01/">Juno</a> (UK/EU shipping)</strong></p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1704131221/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/album/electronic-music-from-the-lost-world-1998-2001">Electronic Music From The Lost World: 1998-2001 by Christian Kleine</a></iframe>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/gaXRtlOVc_U" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Christian Kleine / Electronic Music From The Lost World: 1998-2001http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2018/1/15/christian-kleine-electronic-music-from-the-lost-world-1998-2001ASIP - Reflection on 2017FeaturesASIP MixesMixesRyan GriffinSun, 10 Dec 2017 23:36:58 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/5OiMMo2sLzc/asip-reflection-on-201754f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a277c5c8165f5ccfe5fac14&nbsp;
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<p>2017 was undoubtedly a year for many of us turning to a softer, more comforting style of music to help heal and escape the real world. Many of you reading this probably use the type of music covered here on ASIP as a remedy and form of escapism, and some may just be getting acquainted. Now more than ever, I feel like people are connecting with ambient music, and I see it in the comments, feedback, support and thoughts that accompany each release, friends releases,&nbsp;mixes etc,&nbsp;and and in the growing popularity of the genre in the wider-music spectrum.&nbsp;</p><p>We’ve managed to present three <a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/releases/">vinyl releases</a> this year, and I'm extremely proud of each one. Starting with the organic calming of <em>Lav &amp; Purl's</em>,&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv007-lav-purl-a-state-of-becoming">A State Of Becoming</a></em>;&nbsp;we then went denser and deeper with <em>Leandro Fresco &amp; Rafael Anton Irisarri's</em>,&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv008x-leandro-fresco-rafael-anton-irisarri-la-espera">La Equidistancia</a></em>. In August,&nbsp;<em>Arovane &amp; Hior Chronik</em>&nbsp;returned for their second album,&nbsp;<em><a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv009-arovane-hior-chronik-into-my-own">Into my own</a></em>. And in the middle of all of this, we experienced the <a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/7/6/asipv008-vinyl-update">worst possible outcome</a>&nbsp;with our vinyl production (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.residentadvisor.net/news.aspx?id=40326">as did many others</a>), but that was put into balance with your amazing support and kind donations for <em><a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv008x-leandro-fresco-rafael-anton-irisarri-la-espera">La Espera</a></em>;&nbsp;the companion EP by <em>Leandro</em> and <em>Rafael</em>, which helped raise funds and get us back on track to continue with a new press (more to come on that one soon, along with news on the vinyl for <em>La Equidistancia</em>).</p><p>We're already looking forward to 2018's releases, with the announcement of <em><a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv010-christian-kleine">Christian Kleine's</a></em>&nbsp;upcoming album in January. But before we get ahead of ourselves, it's time to look back at all the music that kept the inspiration high and the mind elsewhere over the last year...</p><p>Here's a breathless-quick rundown on what’s included...</p><p>~</p><p>Young composer,&nbsp;<em>Sophia Jani </em>opens up our mix;&nbsp;<em>Kai Schumacher</em>&nbsp;reimagines a <em>Moderat</em>&nbsp;favorite; and South Africa's <em>Jason Van Wyk</em>&nbsp;finds the magical atmospheric piano balance on his <em>Home Normal</em>&nbsp;release.&nbsp;<em>Leandro Fresco</em>&nbsp;pairs up with <em>Kompakt</em> companion <em>Thore Pfeiffer</em>&nbsp;(who also just dropped <a target="_blank" href="https://wuerden.bandcamp.com/album/feinherb">a new album</a> with <em>Max Wurden</em>); whilst <em>Warmth</em>&nbsp;is back on the year-end list with another pure blanket of warm ambience. I watched <em>Earthen Sea</em>&nbsp;play live in a church this year, and his <em>Silent Season </em>anniversary release was one of the best of a brilliant bunch from the label.&nbsp;<em>ASC</em>&nbsp;strayed away from his <em>Silent Season</em>&nbsp;ambient home to put out a deep-cut on his own label <em>Auxiliary</em>. The powerful, heart-pulls of <em>Black Swan, 36</em>&nbsp;and <em>Secret Pyramid</em>&nbsp;were some of my favorite tear-jerkers of the year, whilst <em>Rafael Anton Irisarri's</em> political masterpiece on <em>Umor Rex</em>&nbsp;took our emotions to the next level.&nbsp;<em>Noveller</em>&nbsp;moved to LA recently, which might've &nbsp;inspired one of my favorites of hers in a long time. <em>Ryuichi </em><em>Sakamoto</em>&nbsp;returned with a twisted and interesting set of compositions, whilst <em>PAN</em>&nbsp;released an intriguing dig through relatively new and unheard ambient artists on their highly regarded compilation,&nbsp;<em>Mono No Aware</em>. <em>Field Records</em> and <em>Acronym</em> are no strangers to us individually, but their combined output was undoubtedly one of this years best pieces of ambient music. The one sweeping piece of ambient from <em>nthng’s</em> original and innovative techno record makes the cut, triggering some deepness from <em>Luigi Tozzi</em> in a rare ambient remix- a break from his bubbling techno on the high-flying <em>Hypnus</em> label. <em>Wanderwelle</em> landed strong with one of the most innovative dub-techno records we've heard in a very long time, whilst my fandom for <em>Alexsi Perälä</em> went up a notch, via his relentless <em>Colundi Sequence</em> compositions. We get deeper with <em>Primal Code </em>(<em>Hypnus </em>with another great release) and then <em>Artefakt</em> pull out the swirling, progressive techno-stomp and another must-own album. <em>Joachim Spieth</em> finally unveils a full-length album spanning ambient and techno- one of the only people who could strike this balance so well. <em>Loess</em> is another big return for 2017 with their signature deep and unique glitches, and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/artists-purl"><em>Purl</em> </a>continues his many guises with one of this years most original pieces under his <em>Illuvia</em> moniker. Speaking of originality, no-one comes close to the <em>bvdub</em> style, but again he manages to surprise and delight. <em>Loscil </em>pairs with<em> Mark Bridges</em> as <em>High Plains</em>&nbsp;in their brooding instrumental piece, which is followed by our very own modern-classical prodigy <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/artists-hior-chronik"><em>Hior Chronik</em></a> and his debut album on <em>7K!</em>. <em>Ghostly's,</em> <em>Christoper Willits</em> scores a film on <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.theartoflisteningfilm.com/">The Art Of Listening</a></em> with some beautiful textures and <em>Leyland Kirby</em> scored a lifetime of mental degradation this year with his <em>Caretaker</em>&nbsp;series, but chose to release some of his best stuff for free. <em>Hammock</em> and <em>Billow Observatory</em> were once again on point to soothe with their dreamy lulls and enchanting melodies.<em> The Thesis Project </em>continued to present unique collaborations with <em>Anna Rose Carter</em> and <em>Dag Rosenqvist</em> just one of the many standouts from the series. The <em>Susumu Yokota</em> stylings of <em>Poppy Ackroyd</em>, are followed by the now legendary sounds of <em>Four Tet</em>. And with one of my most anticipated returns in a while,&nbsp;<em>The Gentleman Losers</em>&nbsp;begin to end proceedings with their <em>Air/Bibio/Quiet Village</em> dreaminess. And finally,&nbsp;the curtain closer coming from the biggest return of the year,&nbsp;<em>Slowdive</em>.</p><p>~</p><p>Despite a hefty 36 tracks, and 2hr 42mins total,&nbsp; I've still left-out a bunch of my favorite releases of the year from this mix. But, I let the flow of the mix dictate what is included whilst pulling from my whittled-down playlist from the past year. It's restrictive whilst also liberating doing it this way, as putting together lists is a near impossible task for me. This method forces my hand, whilst also presenting something a little different to the normal year-end lists.&nbsp;<br /><br />To all those artists I’ve missed out, keep doing what you’re doing, we’re still listening. If you need to see <strong>more of</strong>&nbsp;the music I've been enjoying, well, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog">this blog</a>&nbsp;is of course a good place to start,&nbsp;as well as everything I've purchased and supported on Bandcamp, shown in my <a target="_blank" href="https://bandcamp.com/astrangelyisolatedplace">Fan Collection</a> (go Bandcamp!).</p><p>Thank you to all the artists and labels featured, and a big thank you to everyone for continuing to support ASIP this year, buy our records and listen to the music featured on the blog and the label.&nbsp; Next year will be ten years since the very first ASIP blog post, so we’ll be celebrating with some very special projects.</p><p>Until then, enjoy a look back at 2017...</p><iframe scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/367740191%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-s09yH&amp;color=%23848484&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;wmode=opaque" width="100%" data-embed="true" frameborder="no" height="166"></iframe><p><strong>-&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="http://s141218.gridserver.com/mixes/reflectionon2017/reflectionon2017.mp3">Download</a></strong><br />-&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://a-strangely-isolated-place.lnk.to/DPqNYWE">Stream tracklist (Spotify/Apple Music).</a>&nbsp;(<em>Not all tracks included)</em></p><p><strong>Tracklist [label &amp;&nbsp;link to buy]&nbsp;<em>(ASIP links) </em>rough </strong><strong>start time.</strong></p><p>01. Sophia Jani - Those Who Stay [<a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/sophiajani">Unreleased / Soundcloud</a>] 00.00&gt;<br />02.&nbsp;Kai Schumacher - A New Error [<a target="_blank" href="https://kaischumacher.com/shop/beauty/">Neue Meister</a>] 04.04&gt;<br />03. Jason Van Wyk - Clouds [<a target="_blank" href="https://homenormal.bandcamp.com/album/opacity">Home Normal</a>]<em> (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/9/30/jason-van-wyk-opacity">Review</a>) </em>07.55&gt;<br />04. Fresco &amp; Pfeiffer - Splinter [<a target="_blank" href="https://kompakt.bandcamp.com/album/pop-ambient-2018">Kompakt</a>] <em>(<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/21/kompakt-pop-ambient-2018">Review</a>) </em>10.16&gt;<br />05. Warmth - Isolation [<a target="_blank" href="https://archivesdubmusic.bandcamp.com/album/home">Archives</a>] <em>(<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2016/8/16/isolatedmix-63-warmth?rq=warmth">isolatedmix</a>) </em>14.00&gt;<br />06. Earthen Sea - The Time Past [<a target="_blank" href="http://shop.silentseason.com/album/a-relentless-gaze-ssx01">Silent Season</a>] 17.50&gt;<br />07. ASC - Quaoar [<a target="_blank" href="https://asc77.bandcamp.com/album/trans-neptunian-objects">Auxiliary</a>] <em>(<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2014/05/26/isolatedmix-45-asc">ASC isolatedmix</a>) (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/7/7/asc-trans-neptunian-objects?rq=asc">Review</a>) </em>22.22&gt;<br />08. Black Swan - The Escapist [<a target="_blank" href="https://blackswan.bandcamp.com/album/travesty-waves-2017">Self</a>] 27.06&gt;<br />09. Secret Pyramid - Two Shadows [<a target="_blank" href="https://secretpyramid.bandcamp.com/album/two-shadows-collide">Ba Da Bing!</a>] <em>(<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/14/isolatedmix-74-secret-pyramid">isolatedmix</a>) </em>30.48&gt;<br />10. 36 - Black Soma [<a target="_blank" href="http://3six.net/album/black-soma">Self</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/artists-36"><em>artist page</em></a>) (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2010/12/04/isolatedmix-12-36">isolatedmix</a>) 34.30&gt;<br />11. Rafael Anton Irisarri - RH Negative [<a target="_blank" href="https://umorrex.bandcamp.com/album/the-shameless-years">Umor Rex</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/artists-rafael-anton-irisarri"><em>artist page</em></a>) 39.34&gt;<br />12. Noveller - The Unveiling [<a target="_blank" href="https://noveller.bandcamp.com/album/a-pink-sunset-for-no-one">Fire Records</a>] 43.40&gt;<br />13. Ryuichi Sakamoto - honj [<a target="_blank" href="https://milanrecords.com/milan-albums/ryuichi-sakamoto-async/">Milan Records</a>] 46.30&gt;<br />14. Malibu - Held [<a target="_blank" href="https://p-a-n.bandcamp.com/album/v-a-mono-no-aware">PAN</a>] 48.30&gt;<br />15. Acronym - The Final Decision [<a target="_blank" href="https://acronym-field.bandcamp.com/album/malm">Field Records</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/21/acronym-malm"><em>Review</em></a>) 49.32&gt;<br />16. nthng - Touches [<a target="_blank" href="http://lobstertheremin.com/album/it-never-ends">Lobster Theremin</a>] 55.34&gt;<br />17. Luigi Tozzi - Yavin (Ambient remix) [<a target="_blank" href="https://hypnus.bandcamp.com/album/binary-sunset">Hypnus</a>] 60.42&gt;<br />18. Wanderwelle - The Starry Night [<a target="_blank" href="http://shop.silentseason.com/album/lost-in-a-sea-of-trees">Silent Season</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/9/13/isolatedmix-72-wanderwelle"><em>isolatedmix</em></a>) 63.28&gt;<br />19. Aleksi Perälä - NLL561606935 [<a target="_blank" href="https://www.delsinrecords.com/release/5845/aleksi-perala/simulation">Clone Basement Series</a>] 68.36&gt;<br />20. Primal Code - Junkan [<a target="_blank" href="https://hypnus.bandcamp.com/album/teru">Hypnus</a>] 71.47&gt;<br />21. Artefakt - Entering The City [<a target="_blank" href="https://artefaktdelsin.bandcamp.com/album/kinship">Delsin</a>] 77.58&gt;<br />22. Joachim Spieth - Radiance [<a target="_blank" href="https://affin.bandcamp.com/album/irradiance">Affin</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2015/11/21/isolatedmix-58-joachim-spieth"><em>isolatedmix</em></a>) 88.17&gt;<br />23. Loess - Wrikken [<a target="_blank" href="https://n5md.bandcamp.com/album/pocosin">n5MD</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/1/24/loess-pocosin?rq=Loess"><em>Review</em></a>) (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2015/5/20/isolatedmix-55-loess?rq=loess"><em>isolatedmix</em></a>) 94.02&gt;<br />24. Illuvia - Illuvia (Exaltation) [<a target="_blank" href="http://eternell.net/album/illuvia">Eternell</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/7/23/illuvia-illuvia"><em>Review</em></a>) 99.00&gt;<br />25. bvdub - Limitless [<a target="_blank" href="https://n5md.bandcamp.com/album/heartless">n5MD</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/7/brock-van-wey-bvdub-binterview"><em>interview</em></a>) (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2014/12/21/isolatedmix-50-bvdub-sleep-tight-ono"><em>isolatedmix</em></a>) 108.18&gt;<br />26. High Plains - Ten Sleep [<a target="_blank" href="https://highplainskranky.bandcamp.com/album/cinderland">Kranky</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2014/12/21/isolatedmix-50-bvdub-sleep-tight-ono?rq=bvdub"><em>isolatedmix</em></a>) 113.42&gt;<br />27. Hior Chronik - That Mistery Again [<a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Hior-Chronik-Out-Of-The-Dust/release/11233752">7K!</a>] (<a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/artists-hior-chronik"><em>artist page</em></a>) (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/2/26/isolatedmix-66-hior-chronik"><em>isolatedmix</em></a>) 116.30&gt;<br />28. Christopher Willits - Beginning [<a target="_blank" href="http://shop.christopherwillits.com/album/opening">Ghostly</a>] 118.52&gt;<br />29. Leyland Kirby - Dig Deep March On [<a target="_blank" href="https://leylandkirby.bandcamp.com/album/we-so-tired-of-all-the-darkness-in-our-lives">History Always Favours The Winners</a>] 122.12&gt;<br />30. Hammock - Dust Swirling Into Your Shape [<a target="_blank" href="http://shop.hammockmusic.com/album/mysterium">Hammock music</a>] 127.04&gt;<br />31. Billow Observatory - Montclair [<a target="_blank" href="https://billowobservatory.bandcamp.com/">Azure Vista</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/4/4/billow-observatory-ii-plainspatterns?rq=billow%20"><em>Review</em></a>) (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2013/06/28/isolatedmix-39-billow-observatory?rq=billow%20obser"><em>isolatedmix</em></a>) 130.00&gt;<br />32.&nbsp;Anna Rose Carter &amp; Dag Rosenqvist - Nothing Ever [<a target="_blank" href="https://thesisproject.bandcamp.com/album/thesis-05">Thesis</a>] (<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/5/9/the-thesis-project"><em>Feature</em></a>) 133.26&gt;<br />33. Poppy Ackroyd - The Calm Before [<a target="_blank" href="https://poppy.bandcamp.com/album/resolve">One Little Indian</a>] 137.50&gt;<br />34. Four Tet - You Are Loved [<a target="_blank" href="https://fourtet.bandcamp.com/album/new-energy">Text Records</a>] 143.38&gt;<br />35. The Gentleman Losers - Holding Back The Night [<a target="_blank" href="https://thegentlemanlosers.bandcamp.com/album/permanently-midnight">Grainy Records</a>] 149.30&gt;<br />36. Slowdive - Falling Ashes [<a target="_blank" href="https://slowdive.bandcamp.com/album/slowdive">Dead Oceans</a>] 154.24&gt;</p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/5OiMMo2sLzc" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>ASIP - Reflection on 2017http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/12/5/asip-reflection-on-2017Hior Chronik - Out Of The DustFeaturesReviewsRyan GriffinSun, 10 Dec 2017 20:52:49 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/D-AGC-M8XVI/hior-chronik-out-of-the-dust54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a2d9cd3ec212d8655dd4884&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="a2334978960_10.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a2d9d6453450ab787cfd779/1512938860713/a2334978960_10.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1200x1200" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a2d9d6453450ab787cfd779" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a2d9d6453450ab787cfd779/1512938860713/a2334978960_10.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p>If you're familiar with <em>Arovane</em> and <em>Hior Chronik’s</em> past two releases <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/releases/">here on ASIP</a> you probably noticed <a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/artists-hior-chronik"><em>Hior’ Chronik's</em></a> eye for the more instrumental and modern-classical sound, especially if you went back further to reference his album on <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2015/5/28/hior-chronik-taking-the-veil?rq=HIOR%20CHRONIK"><em>Kitchen Label</em></a>. Whilst it wasn’t always a straight split in responsibilities when pairing with <em>Arovane, George</em>&nbsp;proved to be the perfect balance for <em>Uwe</em>, often bringing melodies, compositions, field recordings and piano to both <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv009-arovane-hior-chronik-into-my-own"><em>Into my own</em></a> and <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/asipv003-arovane-hior-chronik-in-between"><em>In-between</em></a>, alongside <em>Uwe’s</em> ear for electronics, texture and detail. (You’d actually be surprised as to who did what on certain tracks in many instances).&nbsp;</p><p><em>Hior</em> now presents us with a <a target="_blank" href="https://7klassik.bandcamp.com/album/out-of-the-dust">new release on <em>7K!</em> </a>(K7!’s modern classical imprint) that truly focuses on his passion for modern classical style compositions, titled <em>Out Of The Dust</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>Whilst it would be easy to imagine what <em>Hior</em> would bring to the table on a modern-classical label based on his previous productions, the album is a new style and sound in many ways, brought to life as an imaginary soundtrack.&nbsp;</p><p>The main thing you’ll notice is a focus on the trumpet as a lead instrument throughout the album. Without listening, you’re no doubt wondering how such an instrument will sound alongside slow tinkering pianos and abstract background noises, without becoming jarring. But <em>Hior</em> uses it as the lead character amongst a wider cast, extending introductions, interspersing drama and bringing subtle changes in melody that constantly evolve as piano melodies and dramatic strings intertwine. This brings an overall heightened sense of listening to the album - the tracks become movements and stories as you come into the imaginary world <em>Hior</em> has set out to create.&nbsp;</p><p>There are chapters within the tracks, played out between the three main characters; the trumpet, piano and strings. Each of them have their moment as the album evolves, with a gentle piano piece appending a <em>Johann Jóhannsson</em> style quartet, and vice versa. Then an enigmatic trumpet solo setting the tone for a beautiful rolling piano melody. The trumpet, slowly dying out as the album begins to end, and the strings attach a more sombre note to a perhaps, sad ending to whatever film your imagining.&nbsp;</p><p>These evolutions keep the story vivid, and the listener engaged throughout, eager to hear a new combination, or left wondering when another character would be re-introduced.&nbsp;</p><p><em>Hior</em> set out to create a soundtrack for an imaginary film, and because there are no images to accompany the album or a sign of the film he had in mind (surprising given Hior’s amazing talents with photography and the more personal touch to the artwork), the album leaves you pondering your own story and your own attachment to the characters amidst your own little world. The perfect escape.&nbsp;</p><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="https://7klassik.bandcamp.com/album/out-of-the-dust">Available on 7K!.</a></strong></p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=2170587744/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://7klassik.bandcamp.com/album/out-of-the-dust">Out Of The Dust by Hior Chronik</a></iframe>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/D-AGC-M8XVI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Hior Chronik - Out Of The Dusthttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/12/10/hior-chronik-out-of-the-dustKompakt - Pop Ambient 2018FeaturesReviewsRyan GriffinWed, 22 Nov 2017 18:13:50 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/ZBQeYd0CgM8/kompakt-pop-ambient-201854f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a146d2708522918859d59c6&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="a2378851421_10.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a146d2fec212de0e4519829/1511288126854/a2378851421_10.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1200x1200" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a146d2fec212de0e4519829" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a146d2fec212de0e4519829/1511288126854/a2378851421_10.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p>Given this is now a yearly tradition for me, I'm going to mix it up a little...</p><p>Firstly, a few thoughts on <em>Kompakt's</em> latest addition to its ambient series, <em>Pop Ambient 2018</em>.&nbsp; Knowing where to start when these drop at the end of every year, let alone what to say is often a challenge, without having to review for review's-sake.&nbsp;Every year I comment on how the style continues to evolve ever-so-slightly compared to the Gas-infused loops and drones from the earlier editions of 2003.&nbsp; But that's a good thing, as <em>Kompakt</em> are essentially documenting a particular evolution of ambient music year-after-year. It may be a limited scope considering all things ambient, but for those that listen to the details, it starts to mimic some subtleties that are represented out ion the music world.&nbsp;</p><p>One noticeable change, is the proliferation of modern-classical music. There was no such-thing on the earlier editions (at-least without some kind of heavy manipulation) , but now the likes of <em>Kenneth James Gibson</em> makes regular appearances (his latest on this 2018 edition, is one of his finest yet) and the piano is the core focus for <em>Leandro Fresco</em> and <em>Thore Pfeiffer</em> on the compilation opening track. And while newcomer <em>Yui Onedera's</em> depth in <em>Prism</em>, is manipulated enough to make it a beautiful drone record, there's no hiding the strings that power the emotion behind it.&nbsp;</p><p>But before you start thinking we've got a new <em>Erased Tapes</em>&nbsp;compilation on our hands (nothing wrong with that I may add), curator <em>Wolfgang Voigt</em>, still manages to nail the <em>Pop Ambient</em> sound by bringing some old friends back to level the playing-field. <em>Triola's, L'Atalante</em> is a straight zip-line back to <em>Jorg Burger's</em>&nbsp;early contributions and <em>The Orb</em>, go swamp-walking again with <em>Sky's Falling</em>, harkening back to their early <em>Kompakt</em> album,<em> Okie Dokie It's The Orb On Kompakt,&nbsp;</em>or 2005's classic Pop Ambient track,&nbsp;<em>Falkenbruck</em>.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1617812502/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://kompakt.bandcamp.com/album/pop-ambient-2018">Pop Ambient 2018 by Various Artists</a></iframe><p>Just when you think you've got your head around the evolution of sounds found in the latest edition, pedal steel guitarist <em>Chuck Johnson</em> hits you with a wisp of country-vibe, and dusty roads, a-la KLF in <em>Brahmi</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>2018's <em>Pop Ambient </em>edition<em>&nbsp;</em>bridges some of the many sounds that have evolved since its inception all those years ago, with echoes of classics and nods to the new. It's a mainstay yearly release for this very reason, and whilst it's likely never going to try and revolutionize ambient music as we know it and present something different, that's not the point. Pop Ambient captures a sound many of us have now grown up with.&nbsp;</p><p>I see some people expecting something new and exciting every time this compilation comes out - something to write about maybe. It's the struggle I realize - how do you write about something new which sticks to the same great recipe and does it so well?&nbsp;Ambient music doesn't have something this consistent at this level - it's called 'Pop' Ambient for a reason, and I'm all good with it presenting a solid roster every year capturing the slowly evolving sound of the music we all love.&nbsp;</p><p>Kompakt's Pop Ambient 2018, <a target="_blank" href="https://kompaktrecords.lnk.to/PopAmbient2018FA"><strong>available to buy now.</strong></a></p><p>~</p><p>Given the retrospect theme coming through, I thought I'd follow in the footsteps of a few of the <em>Kompakt</em> artists (<em>Leandro Fresco's</em> selections <a target="_blank" href="https://noisey.vice.com/es_mx/article/43nman/leandro-fresco-enlisto-sus-tracks-favoritos-de-pop-ambient-lanzados-en-kompakt?utm_source=noiseytwes">here</a>) and select my all-time top-10 <em>Pop Ambient </em>tracks since the very first compilation in 2001. This is something that's extremely hard for me to do given my love for the series, and I'm already changing my mind... so I'm not going to make a fuss and write about them all. Ok, too many early tracks in here, I should change it. No... I'm just gonna hit 'publish' and leave this right here... enjoy! <a target="_blank" href="https://open.spotify.com/user/astrangelyisolatedplace/playlist/4VMCXiT4AjLATWDueo6ZBU">Listen on Spotify.</a></p><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/user/astrangelyisolatedplace/playlist/4VMCXiT4AjLATWDueo6ZBU?wmode=opaque" width="700" allowtransparency="true" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="380"></iframe><p>Also available on <a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/playlist/asip-pop-ambient-top-10/pl.u-d2b0MWXsajjMP">Apple Musi</a><a target="_blank" href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/playlist/asip-pop-ambient-top-10/pl.u-d2b0MWXsajjMP">c</a>.</p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/ZBQeYd0CgM8" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Kompakt - Pop Ambient 2018http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/21/kompakt-pop-ambient-2018Acronym - MalmReviewsFeaturesRyan GriffinWed, 22 Nov 2017 17:37:39 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/VdM7mUznnXg/acronym-malm54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a14609d53450ae1382d0b4f&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="a0221181103_10.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a1460a408522918859a9377/1511284919511/a0221181103_10.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1200x801" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a1460a408522918859a9377" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a1460a408522918859a9377/1511284919511/a0221181103_10.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p>There's an uprising of deep techno coming from Scandinavia these past few years. <a target="_blank" href="https://hypnusrecords.bandcamp.com/"><em>Hypnus Records</em></a> for example, responsible for bringing <em>Luigi Tozzi, Feral </em>and <em>Fjader </em>to the fore (more on them soon). <a target="_blank" href="https://northernelectronics.bandcamp.com/"><em>Northern Electronics</em></a>, helmed by <em>Abdulla Rashim</em> and churning out relentless, quick selling LP's by the likes of <em>Varg, Dorisburg, Isorinne</em>, and one of our favorites,&nbsp;<em>Acronym</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>While <em>Northern Electronics</em>, or even Spain's <em>Semantica</em> have had the pleasure of <em>Acronym </em>in the past few years,&nbsp;it's the more established dutch label, <em>Field Records</em> that presents his latest album, <em>Malm</em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;Known for his heady, deep and often abstract techno, <em>Acronym</em> found a new home for his ambient opus, with <em>Field Records</em> a well-known dutch destination for some of the best ambient and techno <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Various-Field-Records-Collection/release/5784765">compilations</a> of recent years. The output amongst the aforementioned labels contains some of my most treasured music, so to see their best artists switch things up on the label front is nothing but good news for us listeners, as long as the music finds a deserving home.&nbsp;</p><p><em>Malm</em> is <em>Acronym's</em> most emotive piece yet. The icy, vastness portrayed across the ten tracks takes you to a grainy, freezing landscape as depicted in the cover artwork. But it's not your usual long-paintbrush drones and crackling field recordings.&nbsp;<em>Acronym </em>has transported his heart and soul in the album's structure and melodies, with careful attention paid to the lush pads and flourishes of color, which make each track a piece unto its own. In a similar manner to the electronic wizardry of <em>Biosphere</em>, <em>Acronym</em>&nbsp;brings originality across the album very rarely replicating form or format across the ten tracks, electronic in sound yet deep in emotion.&nbsp;</p><p>The glistening melting synthesizers on <em>The Final Decision</em>, juxtaposed with the heavy orchestral drones of <em>Inner Conflict</em>, and the slow acid-pulse of <em>No Regrets</em>, highlight the many outstanding styles you can find across the album, without a weak track amongst it. <em>Malm</em> manages to capture nearly every single element of electronic ambient music I love; be it the ability to transport to an off-world, the detailed textures that bring it life, the storytelling as the album evolves, or the melodies that make you hit repeat again and again.&nbsp;</p><p>One of 2017's finest - don't miss it.</p><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="https://acronym-field.bandcamp.com/album/malm">Available on Bandcamp.</a>&nbsp;</strong></p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1775712243/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=0687f5/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://acronym-field.bandcamp.com/album/malm">Malm by Acronym</a></iframe>&nbsp;&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=VdM7mUznnXg:gwFcBT-6JEU:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=VdM7mUznnXg:gwFcBT-6JEU:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=VdM7mUznnXg:gwFcBT-6JEU:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=VdM7mUznnXg:gwFcBT-6JEU:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/VdM7mUznnXg" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Acronym - Malmhttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/21/acronym-malmEluvium - Shuffle DronesFeaturesReviewsRyan GriffinTue, 21 Nov 2017 16:42:16 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/ff5iEU5yy5w/eluvium-shuffle-drones54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a1452d8ec212de0e44bd359&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="a0331694744_10.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a145311419202556cb75b84/1511281430231/a0331694744_10.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1200x1200" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a145311419202556cb75b84" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a145311419202556cb75b84/1511281430231/a0331694744_10.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p><em>Matthew Cooper</em> aka <em>Eluvium</em>&nbsp;continues to innovate his approach to ambient music, albeit this time, not in style but in form.&nbsp;</p><p>I commented on his last album, <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2016/9/19/isolatedmix-64-eluvium?rq=eluvium"><em>False Readings On</em></a> as yet another new take on the sound we had him down for as the album slowly transgressed into a power-house of angelic vocals and heart-tugging drones. For his next masterpiece, <em>Matthew</em> has stripped the actual music down to a very simple, cinematic sound and embraced today's most annoying habit, the 'shuffle'; building each track so it fits in sequence no-matter what order the album is played.&nbsp;</p><p>For someone who respects the sequencing of albums, especially when it comes to something as considered as ambient music, the concept presents an interesting juxtaposition - one I hadn't really considered before as an actual output for an album.&nbsp;</p><p>In a similar approach to <em>Brian Eno</em> and <em>Peter Chilvers</em> generative app (and album) <em><a target="_blank" href="http://www.generativemusic.com/">Reflection</a></em>,&nbsp; you're now presented with an endless possible combination of music. The difference here compared to <em>Eno's</em> album, is that <em>Matthew</em> has been very forthright in embracing today's listening patterns and pushing the Spotify/streaming versions to encourage shuffling (as opposed to locking it behind a very expensive app...) And whilst the output isn't as inconspicuous as Eno's liquid meditation - <em>Shuffle Drones</em> has a very distinct 32-second pattern -&nbsp;it's just as magical when you put it into practice as the slow and beautiful swells wash over you again and again.&nbsp;</p><p>Available to <a target="_blank" href="https://eluvium.bandcamp.com/album/shuffle-drones">buy on Bandcamp</a>, and stream everywhere else - give it a go below.&nbsp;</p><p>Listen to <em>Eluvium's</em> isolatedmix <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2016/9/19/isolatedmix-64-eluvium?rq=eluvium">here</a>&nbsp;celebrating his last album, <em>False Readings On</em>.</p><iframe src="https://open.spotify.com/embed/album/4tPXgZLAm906BUXtCwCkpX?wmode=opaque" width="700" allowtransparency="true" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="380"></iframe>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=ff5iEU5yy5w:ZAp0BILfLFE:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=ff5iEU5yy5w:ZAp0BILfLFE:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=ff5iEU5yy5w:ZAp0BILfLFE:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=ff5iEU5yy5w:ZAp0BILfLFE:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/ff5iEU5yy5w" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Eluvium - Shuffle Droneshttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/21/eluvium-shuffle-dronesSynkro - Hand In Hand EP (Exclusive video)FeaturesReviewsRyan GriffinFri, 17 Nov 2017 03:52:39 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/Aw4hrHejzSM/synkro-hand-in-hand-ep54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a0e561aec212d62c91d7879&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="AMB1710packshot_LOW.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a0e5638e4966bd19845d393/1510889023477/AMB1710packshot_LOW.jpg" data-image-dimensions="800x800" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a0e5638e4966bd19845d393" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a0e5638e4966bd19845d393/1510889023477/AMB1710packshot_LOW.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p>We're big fans of <em>Joe McBride's</em> work here at ASIP. Over the years we've seen him avoid any genre stereotypes, venturing into cinematic downtempo as part of <em><a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog?tag=Kiyoko">Kiyoko</a></em>, and blending drum'n bass, ambient and dub-step with his debut album on the infamous <em>Apollo</em>, titled <em>Changes</em> in 2015.&nbsp; Switching it up and drawing from a never-ending catalog of influences, it's of little surprise to see <em>Synkro</em>&nbsp;back with another superb release.&nbsp;</p><p><em>Hand in Hand EP,&nbsp;</em>reflects on some of his early influences from the 80's, particularly UK Library records, lifting samples and sounds from those records into completely transformed masterpieces using equipment such as his <em>"trusted Juno-6 / SH101 / JX8P combo with the addition of drum samples via an old akai S2800".&nbsp;</em>&nbsp;The result is a far-cry from what you'd expect to come from such records.</p><p>EP opener <em>Vanishing Point</em> harkens back to the works of <em>Boards of Canada</em>, and a <em>Hand In Hand</em>&nbsp;synth line takes the same route as retro-analog manipulators like <em>Com Truise</em>. It's not until track 3, <em>Automatic Response</em>, that you hear more obvious 80's influences - a downtempo slow-jam with sparkling pads and <em>Enigma</em> style background vocals. <em>Red Sky,</em> takes things even deeper and a little more mysterious to round off a great EP.</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=1324204032/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://synkro.bandcamp.com/album/hand-in-hand-ep">Hand In Hand EP by Synkro</a></iframe><p>We've got an exclusive new video for EP opener <em>Vanishing Point </em>below for your enjoyment - a morphing 3D affair from director <a target="_blank" href="http://mdoubl.eu/video-motion/">MW</a>. Here's what he had to say about his accompanying creation for the track:</p><p><em>"With ‘Vanishing Point’ I wanted to create abstract, textural feelings of depth and perspective. While experimenting with these ideas I also tried to play with the audience’s perception of scale, producing visuals which could be interpreted as either macro or micro. Beginning with a live feed of a rotating platter containing a mixture of oils, glitter, sequins and basically anything I could find at craft shops, I processed that feed through several video hardware devices with patched internal feedback loops. This was then fed into VDMX software, which introduced audio modulation and processing. The foreground texture was mapped to a sphere while performing image plane displacement to extend the bright areas inwards or outwards based on the audio input, while the background was produced with mirror effects. This was then recorded, and finally assembled in Premiere Pro". - MW.</em></p><p><em>Hand In Hand EP</em> is <a target="_blank" href="https://synkro.bandcamp.com/album/hand-in-hand-ep">available now </a>on Apollo.</p><iframe allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/s1mz8GC6EWI?wmode=opaque" width="700" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="450"></iframe>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/Aw4hrHejzSM" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Synkro - Hand In Hand EP (Exclusive video)http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/16/synkro-hand-in-hand-episolatedmix 74 - Secret PyramidFeaturesisolatedmixRyan GriffinWed, 15 Nov 2017 06:51:51 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/TzWk0ZKSzjI/isolatedmix-74-secret-pyramid54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a0bc6ae9140b7e76cd27aa1&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="isolatedmix74.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a0bc6c7e4966b4ad9ea1ba5/1510721243506/isolatedmix74.png" data-image-dimensions="1000x1000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a0bc6c7e4966b4ad9ea1ba5" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a0bc6c7e4966b4ad9ea1ba5/1510721243506/isolatedmix74.png?format=1000w" />
<p>When I stumbled across <em>Amir Abbey's</em> work as <em>Secret Pyramid</em>,&nbsp;I was immediately struck by the pure emotive power of his productions, alongside his ability to portray vivid, dense and often dark atmospheres. A well-walked path for many ambient producers, but <a target="_blank" href="https://secretpyramid.bandcamp.com"><em>Secret Pyramid</em></a> manages to break free of any traditional dark-drones, with more intense sounds, progressive synthesizers and analog elements that complete a vibrant organic feel.</p><p>In a similar vein to the brooding drones of the likes of <em>Rafael Anton Irisarri</em>&nbsp;and <em>Abul Mogard</em>,&nbsp;<em>Amir</em>&nbsp;often combines these analog textures with slow-climbing synthesizers that evolve into walls-of-sound and emotional hooks we're often used to coming from the likes of <em>36</em>. One of my favorites being&nbsp; the siren call of '<em>IV</em>' from <em><a target="_blank" href="https://secretpyramid.bandcamp.com/album/distant-works-ii">Distant Works II</a>&nbsp;-&nbsp;</em>an album that also ended strongly with<em> 'VII'</em> - a more ghostly and mysterious pattern set against the static hiss of a failed radio signal, a desolate end to a superb collection of music.&nbsp;</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3930627499/size=small/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/track=135223426/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://secretpyramid.bandcamp.com/album/distant-works-ii">Distant Works II by Secret Pyramid</a></iframe><p><em>Secret Pyramid</em> just released his latest album on <em>Ba Da Bing</em>! titled <em>Two Shadows Collide</em>, which,&nbsp;<em>"deepens Abbey's relationship with modern composition and abstract songcraft".&nbsp;</em>An album that's proving to be one of my favorites from the year so far; Amir dances with slowly intensifying movements and textures in ways that leave your eyes wide open, and your heart yearning for more.</p><p>His influences may sound familiar,&nbsp;but we had no way of knowing unless he got behind the controls of an isolatedmix, to present us with the many intricate styles that go into the work and mind of <em>Secret Pyramid</em>.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p><em>"This mix consists of a range material that influenced my recent LP, newer sounds that I've been listening to lately, and also some all-time favorites. The mix came together pretty naturally, and I'm happy with how it works as a reflection of the variety of styles and moods that continuously inspire me. I took inspiration from some modern classic composers like Scelsi, Ligeti, and Penderecki while making "Two Shadows Collide", as I find their use of space and dissonance, coupled with the sheer intensity to be very engaging. Badalamenti has always been a huge source of inspiration, and this piece from the recent Twin Peaks reboot is sublime. The Abul Mogard and High Plains pieces are recent works that I’ve been enjoying, and the mix ends with a lovely piece of cosmic minimalism from the great Laurie Spiegel." - Secret Pyramid /AA</em></p><iframe scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/356043797&amp;color=%239cccc9&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;wmode=opaque" width="100%" data-embed="true" frameborder="no" height="166"></iframe><p><a target="_blank" href="http://s141218.gridserver.com/mixes/isolatedmix74/isolatedmix74.mp3">Download.</a></p><p>Tracklist:</p><p>01. Vikki Jackman, Andrew Chalk &amp; Jean-Nöel Rebilly – Mist<br />02. Giacinto Scelsi – String Quartet No. 3 Avec Une Grande Tendresse, dolcissimo<br />03. Abul Mogard – Bound Universe<br />04. Angelo Badalamenti – The Fireman<br />05. Broadcast &amp; The Focus Group – A Quiet Moment<br />06. Alireza Mashayekhi – Chahargah No.2 Op.140<br />07. High Plains – Black Shimmer<br />08. Bohren &amp; der Club of Gore – Constant Fear<br />09. György Ligeti – String Quartet No.2 Sostenuto, molto calmo<br />10. Slowdive – Cello<br />11. Krzysztof Penderecki – Polymorphia<br />12. Laurie Spiegel – East River Dawn</p><p><strong>Secret Pyramid</strong> | <a target="_blank" href="https://secretpyramid.bandcamp.com">Bandcamp</a> | <a target="_blank" href="http://www.secretpyramid.info/">Web</a>&nbsp;| <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/secretpyramid-music">Soundcloud</a>&nbsp;| <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/Secret-Pyramid-339437622745153/">Facebook</a></p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/TzWk0ZKSzjI" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>isolatedmix 74 - Secret Pyramidhttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/14/isolatedmix-74-secret-pyramidWearing your heart on your sleeve: an interview with Brock Van Wey (bvdub)InterviewFeaturesRyan GriffinWed, 08 Nov 2017 04:46:32 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/l9XaXIB9cEQ/brock-van-wey-bvdub-binterview54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:5a0282384192021db9dadace&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="deuces.jpeg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a02834ce2c48322bcc2150e/1510114134926/deuces.jpeg" data-image-dimensions="2248x1686" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a02834ce2c48322bcc2150e" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a02834ce2c48322bcc2150e/1510114134926/deuces.jpeg?format=1000w" />
<p>I missed out on a beer recently with long-time friends and label companions,&nbsp;<em>Mike Cadoo </em>and <em>Brock Van Wey,</em>&nbsp;but whilst I sat at home reminiscing about our <a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2015/7/18/crate-digging-with-bvdub">crate-digging session</a> in Seattle a few years back,&nbsp;Mike was a little more productive and took the opportunity to ask his good friend, Brock a few questions over a pint. We're lucky enough to host the candid and insightful conversation here on ASIP with mentions of Brock's latest album on n5MD, live performances, his biggest fans, beer and (until now) a secret upcoming project...</p><p>~</p><p><em>My first interaction with Brock is something he often sites when we meet up and in the company of new people. In my usual protectively blunt style I tested what was possible in the selection of tracks for an album he submitted. We both stood our ground. I wanted to swap out some tracks. He said, “nope, album as is”. At that moment, from that first interaction, we had each other's respect. Fast forward to now. I have been lucky enough to release four of his albums via n5MD wth his latest album Heartless currently hitting the new release bins.&nbsp; Since his move back to the east bay, where we both grew up and worked unknowingly a mere two blocks from one another, he has become family. I took the opportunity (and liberty) of hijacking one of our meet-ups, this time at 8 Bridges Brewing, to interview him for Ryan @ A Strangely Isolated Place,&nbsp;and of course have a few Reds - Mike Cadoo.&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>Mike Cadoo:</strong> Let's start with your latest album <em><a target="_blank" href="https://n5md.bandcamp.com/album/heartless">Heartless</a>.</em> You've chosen to call it <em>Heartless</em> when in fact it might be your most heartfelt album yet. Why on earth did you choose <em>Heartless</em> as a title?<br /><br /><strong>Brock Van Wey:</strong> I don't think you're the first person who's wondered that (laughs). In a lot of ways the album is me trying to face the fact that the world has taken away a lot of my heart. It's really beaten it out of me. And no I'm not talking about politics or world events or other things people mistakenly attach to the concept of the album, you know that's not my thing. I'm talking about just life itself, and a lot of shit that's happened to me in recent years. Life's stolen a lot of my heart away, and quite frankly made me a more heartless person. I always thought heartless people had it all wrong, you know? Now I wonder. When the world punishes you enough, you start to wonder if it's you who's been doing it wrong all along.</p><p><strong>M:</strong> Yeah I don't think I could even classify you as remotely heartless. I've seen you do plenty of nice things and you have told me first hand how certain decisions or interactions have made you feel. But it could simply be the case that you and I were not interacting much or at all during the callous years?</p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=4102448981/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/tracklist=false/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://n5md.bandcamp.com/album/heartless">Heartless by bvdub</a></iframe><p><strong>B: </strong>Well we were far apart for a lot of years in the physical sense, as I was living on the other side of the world, but even if we were two doors down from each other, you wouldn't really know. It was a really internal struggle, and as good as I am at sharing my feelings, I'm also just as good at hiding them.</p><p>So the album takes heartlessness as an overall concept, and tells the story of a specific time in recent years when I really was... heartless. For once I acted with no heart, no regret, and with a total disregard for another person's feelings – basically the way most of the world seems to do just fine. But it didn't do what I thought it would. I didn't feel liberated... I felt like shit. But I wondered – and I still wonder – if it was actually “wrong.” Was I really being heartless, or was I actually letting someone else dictate how my heart was supposed to feel? I think we all give other people way too much power over our own emotions. It becomes hard to separate how you feel from how you're supposed to, you know?</p><p>I will say that fucked up or not, there is a real power in being heartless. Having a heart and sharing in the human experience is as profound as it gets – but having no heart, and no regard for that experience, is possibly equally profound in its own fucked up way. To somehow cast off guilt, regret, caring, empathy, and every other solely human emotion and to just “be” in a way that basically only sees you exist in the world – it may be horrible, but it's also very powerful. I don't think I do it well. But in the end, the whole thing taught me to revere – and fear – both.</p>
<a href="https://n5md.bandcamp.com/album/heartless" target="_blank">
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<p><strong>M:</strong> Some of the reviews for <em>Heartless</em> have touched on it being a sign of the times and even somewhat political which you did mention. I think it's an album that is resonating with people due to how jacked-up things are right now.</p><p><strong>B:</strong> Oh shit is jacked up, I don't think anyone's gonna argue that. I can't sit here and say that nothing influences my thought patterns subconsciously either, so who knows. I can only say I don't consciously try to deal with any of that in music. I don't even talk about it in life either. It seems every time I run into someone they want to talk about something political, how fucked up shit is, or whatever, it's just not my thing.</p><p><strong>M:</strong> I think you and I are similar on this front. When the time comes for me to take the appropriate action I'll act for change that I believe in but I'm not going to constantly harp about it. I think making the music we do helps with dealing with the day to day for sure...</p><p><strong>B:</strong> For sure. You're like me in that this is your therapy. It's not only how you deal with your own internal world, but also process the world around you. There seems to be a weird dogma lately that if you don't want to talk about something or don't have some polarizing opinion about it, you're either ignorant, or some terrible person. But being ignorant about something and simply choosing to talk about something else are two wholly disparate concepts, and you're not minimizing the gravity of one by choosing to discuss another. There are a lot of aspects to life. Not everything has to be an all-sum game. Anyway, let's not go down that rabbit hole...</p><p>At the end of the day, what matters is that art means something. It doesn't matter if it's a book, painting, song, or anything else – only the creator will ever really know what they meant. But even they forget over time, or it changes over time as their own life changes as well. So it's always changing, always evolving. And once it's released into the world, it takes on a life of its own, and you really have no control over it anymore. But that's the beauty of it. Think about how many albums you've heard, or books you've read, that meant one thing to you at one time, and something totally different down the road. It weaves itself into the fabric of your life, becomes part of who you are. And who you are changes. It will always mean something different to you every time you hear it, and will mean something to you it will never mean to another person... but it will also mean the same thing. If that makes sense.</p><p>So yeah I have zero problem with people interpreting it whatever way they do. If it can be a part of their lives in any way, through good or bad, I'm honored. There is no wrong way to interpret anything anyway, just different ways. I guess in a lot of ways, people's resonating with it in that way gives me something to think about myself, and really it kind of applies to the reasoning behind the album in the first place – which never occurred to me until now. So see, even I get to have a new realization about it now, and go back and listen to it with new perspective. That's crazy. But that's what's awesome about music. And really, all art.</p><p><strong>M: </strong>I know that the making of <em>Heartless</em> originally started out as being inspired by your concept of a live set, to be as large and spacious. When we worked together on writing the album description you added a specific section of text sighting “painful impetus” to live performances. I'd like to know more about that specific line of text...</p>
<img class="thumb-image" alt="IMG_3365_2.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a0283ab71c10ba51bd98f64/1510114223303/IMG_3365_2.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1000x667" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="5a0283ab71c10ba51bd98f64" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/5a0283ab71c10ba51bd98f64/1510114223303/IMG_3365_2.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p><strong>B:</strong> Yeah continuing with my theme of being a complete mess, live shows are my therapy. Most people go to a therapist to talk things out in private, I decide to talk to a room full of people at an ear-bleeding volume.</p><p><strong>M:</strong> (Laughs) I can attest to that...</p><p><strong>B:</strong> Yeah you've been there for the punishment (laughs). It's part of the reason I do so few because they are so emotionally exhausting I'm basically a shell for weeks after. Though I am fortunate to have the most amazing family and friends I could ever dream of, the fact is I rarely leave the house, and have very little contact with the outside world. So the majority of my world is always internalized, building on top of itself into pretty unbearable intensities. Playing a live show is the time I finally get to let that all out, to say all I've wanted to say for weeks, months, even years – not only to the audience but to myself. It's kind of like hearing my own words said back to me. So it's as much a conversation with myself as it is the people there. It's cathartic, but also gutting. I'm not ashamed to say I've cried during most of 'em. So I guess it's no surprise they are usually “big”... and, as anyone who has been there knows, fucking loud. If you're gonna say something, say it.</p><p><strong>M:</strong> I feel ya on the catharsis. Is this the main reason why don't allow your live sets to be recorded?</p><p><strong>B:</strong> That's part of it. Would you want to bare your soul to a friend if you knew he was recording it to listen to later? And what good is it later, anyway? It was a conversation between us. Then. And that's where it should stay. It's also a matter of respect, honestly. It's just fucking disrespectful to assume you can record someone's performance for your own personal collection, to put their heart and soul on some shelf for you to show off at a dinner party. And if you don't have respect for an artist or their art, why would you ask them to share it?</p><p>That goes for everyone there. I get that you paid money, and I also get that recording things mostly comes from a good place. People just want to remember the evening, because it's important to them. Trust me, it's just as important to me. But put the phone down and be there. What's some crappy thirty-second distorted video going to do? Are you ever going to watch that later? Of course not. You're going to show it to one person to show where you were last night, then it will never see the light of day again. But to get that, you took yourself out of the whole experience. For what? All you accomplished is ruining things for people next to you that are trying to be there, besides the fact it's distracting as shit for the artist.</p><p><strong>M</strong>: Oh hell yeah. It amazes me going to shows now how many phones are out. You can't experience the show through your phone screen and as you say the quality is horrid. I admit I have taken a pic or two.</p><p><strong>B:</strong> Et tu, Mike? (laughs).</p><p><strong>M: </strong>(laughs)</p><p><strong>B:</strong> You've been there with me at shows. Before the show, after the show, let's take all the pics together you want. Even videos. Whatever. I've stayed at shows for literally hours after they're done to talk with people, take all the photos and videos they want. I actually enjoy it and it's an honor. It's fun. Hell, after the show I take pics too. But during the show, no. We're all there. Be there with us. The whole point is for us to share that night, for us to communicate our deepest thoughts to each other, and for those moments, come as close as we'll ever come to understanding life. You will remember that night for days, weeks, months, maybe years – and every time you do, the memory will change, distort, adapt to your own changing life. But it will still be in there somewhere. And it has truly become a part of your life, through its own evolving form. It happened. Now it's gone. And all you have is the memory. That's how it's supposed to be. It's fucking beautiful. Let it be beautiful. People need to stop their weird obsession with having to have some permanent record of everything. All they're doing is making their entire lives and every event in it all the more temporary.</p><p>Here's a good way to gauge it: Next time your friend starts to really open up to you about something in their life, something they probably couldn't tell anyone else in the world, tell them you're recording the conversation – or better yet, pull out your phone and just start recording. See how much longer they want to talk. Or wait until they finish, then tell them you just recorded everything for your own personal use. Why? Doesn't matter. You just wanted to. See how much longer you're friends.</p><p>And just so people know, I don't record either. For all the same reasons.</p><p><strong>M</strong>: I'd like to know a bit more about your fan engagement. Unlike a large percentage of artists who have management and there is a bit of a buffer between fans and the artist you have and do have direct contact with your listeners. Probably hard to pick one but are there any favorite interactions you've had with fans (that you can actually talk about :)?</p><p><strong>B: </strong>Well I do have management now (laughs) but yeah that doesn't change anything about how I interact with people. Nothing means more to me than communication and interaction with fans, you know that. The whole point of all of this is to share in each others' lives, to be part of each others' lives, and know we're not alone. Anytime someone takes the time to write an email or drop a message, I always answer, every time. And as anyone who has come to my shows knows, I really enjoy spending as much time with everyone as I can. I don't look at a show as some kind of ego-fest where people are there “for me,” to me it's all of us, we're all in it together, god help us (laughs). Every time someone has taken the time to communicate, be it through email or in person at a show, it is pretty much the most amazing and humbling thing that can ever happen to anyone. If it's not, you need to seriously look at yourself in the mirror and ask yourself why you're doing this.</p><p>I have been super lucky to have some of the most amazing interactions over the years, both through email and in person, it's really beyond words, man. Some of the things people have shared about the deepest parts of their lives, and the lengths they have gone to in order to be at a show so we can share that time in person, it's fucking mind-boggling. I don't think I could ever even say how much I appreciate it, and appreciate them.</p><p>There are some, both in email and in person, been some absolutely mind-blowing ones that have literally restored my faith in humanity, which I didn't think possible. I'd love to tell you this one or that, but I think there's two problems with that: one, it's super hard to pick one (laughs), but also, because I think if I highlight one, it somehow makes another seem “less,” if that makes sense. I think everyone shares and loves in their own way. Some people may make bigger moves or have more to say than others – but that doesn't mean those who are less bold or expressive are diminished, they're just different. They do it and say it in their own way, on their own time, you know? Yeah there are some “bigger” ones over the years I will never forget as long as I live. But I remember them all, big or small. Hell, I probably remember a bunch of interactions that fans have already forgotten. They are all amazing in their own way, and I appreciate them all. They all mean something to me. They mean everything to me. For someone who has always been an antisocial misanthrope who is terrible at interacting with people, I am somehow lucky enough to have the most amazing friends and family, and fans, in the world.</p><p><strong>M:</strong> It is quite funny as you do often speak of yourself as anti-social but I've seen almost the opposite. Even seeing first hand your fan interactions. You are humble, chill and even listen to and interact with what they have to say way beyond standard artist / fan interaction. I still to this day find your physical appearance and your true demeanor to be an interesting juxtaposition. Contrasting. I think your fan engagement, music and even your current black and white promo shot where you are holding your cat points to these contrasts.</p><p><strong>B:</strong> Yeah I know a lot of artists who just play the show and bounce, but I'm there the whole time, from the sound check, through anyone who plays before or after me, and even after that. I'm there for the whole night – and the whole night isn't just me. I want to be a part of everything as much as possible, and that includes everyone who came. As long as anyone wants to talk or hang out, have a beer, or just shoot the shit, I'm always stoked. Until that moment, the music has been the thing abstractly connecting us. Now we get to meet each other face to face, and literally be a part of each others' lives for that time. For real. What the hell is more awesome than that? It's amazing.</p><p>It's kinda crazy because I feel like people I meet already know so much about me through the music. I feel like they already know everything about me, my whole life, but I'm meeting them for the first time. It's a weirdly vulnerable kind of feeling, there's a weird imbalance, it's almost scary sometimes. But in a good way. I don't know, the whole thing is just amazing.</p><p>I'm not a fan of people. Anyone who knows me can tell you that. You know that as well as anyone (laughs). But “people” and family are different. And fans are family.</p><p>(laughs) Yeah the cat picture. To this day I still laugh at the fact that when that went up on RA, the highest rated comment was someone saying That is not what I expected him to look like. Never judge a book by its cover (laughs). I think by now my obsession with cats far precedes me. But I guess just as a lot of people are surprised I love cats so much, they're also surprised I'm actually a nice guy. I just look really not-nice.</p><iframe allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JvLKlXDtfDQ?wmode=opaque" width="700" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="400"></iframe><p><strong>M</strong>: So we are now 10 years into bvdub. You gone from that first string of EPs and really never stopped. However, there was a fairly solid stylistic shift in there. What brought on the shift from the more techno style beat work to what has over time manifested into mostly beat-less works with beats as augmentation rather than propulsion?</p><p><strong>B:</strong> I guess it has been 10 years. Wow, I'm old. Well so are you.</p><p><strong>M:</strong> Thanks for the reminder (laughs)</p><p><strong>B:</strong> No problem (laughs). I think the shift was definitely solid but gradual, I just followed what came naturally. The basis of my music has always been ambient (for lack of a better word), so I think it was only natural it would go more heavily in that direction overall. Even when I used to go to parties or DJ, beats weren't the main thing for me. They were a structure, a kind of thing that held tracks together or even caused us to move together, but the music surrounding them was the focal point. Besides the fact I started as an ambient DJ, later I was quite famous as the guy who played tracks with ridiculously long beatless breakdowns, or just veered off into no beats at all in the middle of a house set. Or maybe that's infamous (laughs).</p><p><strong>M:</strong> Famous. Infamous. same shiz really (laughs)</p><p><strong>B</strong>: (laughs) Pretty much. As my dad used to say, if no one hates you you're not doing it right.</p><p><strong>M</strong>: I have to remember that one (laughs)</p><p><strong>B:</strong> Yeah he knew his shit (laughs). What you say about augmentation is pretty true, but I still work with beats as propulsion in some bvdub stuff, and of course <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/2658846-East-Of-Oceans"><em>East of Oceans</em></a> and to some extent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/artist/2010531-Earth-House-Hold"><em>Earth House Hold</em></a>. But for the majority of my work, the beats and rhythm are there as a kind of ghost of the past, like when you remember a track hours or days after you heard it. I think that all comes back to my old obsession with being the last DJ of the night, at like 8 am, the last music you heard when you were walking to the car, that muffled sound after you shut the warehouse door. Not only was that time only for the real heads, but those moments as you were leaving,&nbsp; the last track you heard as you were leaving and that door shut, that was going to be one of the most lasting impressions of the night, whether you realized it or not. It was always the most beautiful thing to me, and it's carried over into my own music, not surprisingly, I guess. I would say everything comes full circle, but that implies I went away and came back. I think I've always been there.</p><iframe allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MhbI4PVikVA?wmode=opaque" width="700" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="400"></iframe><p><strong>M: </strong>Since you brought up <em>Earth House Hold</em>, I happen to know that you have a forthcoming album on ASIP for the project, That I coincidentally had the honor of mastering @ <em>37n,122w</em>. Can you fill us in on it a bit?</p><p><strong>B: </strong>You did. I mean the mastering part, not the honor part (laughs).</p><p><strong>M:</strong> (laughs)</p><p><strong>B</strong>: I've been wanting to do a second <em>Earth House Hold</em> album forever, and people have been asking me forever as well, which always kinda surprised me, because when it came out it was so under the radar, but over the years I think it grew into what I originally hoped it would be, and the project too. Everything I do is important – well, to me (laughs) but while my work as <em>bvdub</em> deals with more of an emotional history, <em>Earth House Hold</em> is a more physical one, if that makes any sense, in that it's anchored to a more specific space and time, or spaces and times (wink-wink). But then all my work is in some way. I don't know, I'm explaining it fucking horribly. I guess only I know the difference (laughs). I'm clearly not good at explaining it, but I'm never good at explaining music with words. That's what the music's for, because I'm not good with words.</p><p>Ryan actually shares a lot of my history with the music and times that <em>Earth House Hold </em>kind of radiates from, and so although ASIP may seem an odd home for <em>Earth House Hold,</em> actually it's a perfect one. We had been talking about doing something for years, but for this reason or that it never came together, mostly because he was too busy putting stuff out from everyone else in the world and collecting bad pressings for dinner plates (laughs) but also because it had to be right for both of us. One day I emailed him out of the blue and said it was time for us to do something for ASIP, and waited until he already agreed to ambush him with the fact it was an <em>Earth House Hold</em> album. I will say with all certainty that was not what he was expecting, and I think it threw him off, but after it sunk in I think he totally got it. When the album was done, I sent it to him, and he loved it. Ryan is awesome, ASIP is awesome, and <em>Earth House Hold</em> is fuckin' awesome. So there you go (laughs). It will be out early next year on double vinyl, I can't wait, hopefully, everyone will dig it. I won't get into what it all means for now, I'll let people listen and figure it out for themselves.</p><p><strong>M:</strong> Ryan wants to know what you have against pink beer?</p><p>I mean I know he's asking because of that time we went to that bar in Seattle and I lost my mind when he ordered that pink beer – but I think you could ask anyone that question who wasn't even there, and they could answer the question as well as I can. It's pink beer. Beer isn't pink. And pink isn't beer. But that's what you have to love about Ryan. He's the only person I know who would take a shot on a pink beer – in the company of two loudmouthed beer snobs – at ten in the morning. Were we already drinking at ten in the morning? Sounds about right (laughs). Too bad the whole endeavor turned out as badly as one might expect. Plus I'm a supposed “beer snob” who also drinks Coors Light every day. Soooo....</p><p><strong>M:</strong> (shudders) Coors Light? I guess I'm the beer snob.</p><p><strong>B:</strong> Yeah yeah I know your Coors Light hate (laughs). Hey, sometimes you want a fancy-schmancy IPA or a nice red, sometimes you want a Coors Light. Well, not you, but me (laughs). I spent half my life in a hick town, gimme a break.</p><p><strong>M:</strong> I have been known to drink Tecate or Pacifico...so...</p><p><strong>B</strong>: Yeah, I remember both of us drinking Tecate tall boys out of paper bags on that trip, so not sure how much snobbery you can really flex (laughs). I can't lie though, you are way more hardcore than me. Every time I see you I drink some crazy thing I've never had before. For me, if there's good beer I'll drink that. But any beer is gonna get drank. Or is it drunk? They both sound weird. Great, now everything sounds weird.</p><p><strong>M: </strong>(Laughs)</p><p><strong>B:</strong> Anyway, no pink beer.</p><p>~</p><p><strong>bvdub's </strong>new album, <em>Heartless</em> is <a target="_blank" href="https://n5md.bandcamp.com/album/heartless">now available through n5MD.</a></p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/l9XaXIB9cEQ" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Wearing your heart on your sleeve: an interview with Brock Van Wey (bvdub)http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/11/7/brock-van-wey-bvdub-binterviewPortals: Music For MindfulnessPortalsFeaturesRyan GriffinFri, 27 Oct 2017 02:53:46 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/G0AHkPYK0z4/portals-music-for-mindfulness54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:59f225afe4966bac1152f547&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="Mindfulness3.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/59f2913724a694ad6262b50b/1509069118643/Mindfulness3.png" data-image-dimensions="716x716" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="59f2913724a694ad6262b50b" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/59f2913724a694ad6262b50b/1509069118643/Mindfulness3.png?format=1000w" />
<p></p><p>Mindfulness, is undoubtedly subjective and situational. But one thing I’ve noticed, is that most of the material you hear on this topic often has a stereotypical sound; normally new-age, and often yoga or meditation focused with buddhist chanting, or crashing waves. Sometimes, you might be lucky enough to find a sweet-spot with Brian Eno, and with it,&nbsp;you draw a sigh of relief.&nbsp;</p><p>I've often wondered how (or why) hotels and spa's choose their music and how this 'background style' has become so mistakenly synonymous with ambient music.&nbsp;Ask anyone who isn't familiar with ambient music is and they’ll likely say "spa music"&nbsp;or "meditation/yoga stuff". No digs on that type of music, I mean some elements even find their way in here - it's the root to many ambient concepts, and I could sit and listen to the sound of the sea and waves crashing for years on end. But as with all of these Portals series, I try to find and explore a different perspective where possible.&nbsp;</p><p>The goal of this feature and accompanying mix was to create a journey of escapism and comfort. Whereas the previous Portals feature, ‘<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2016/4/8/portals-music-for-sleeping">Music For Sleeping</a>’ could be deemed very similar, the approach here focused on keeping an attentive layer/s that ended up being more pure to <em>Brian Eno’s</em> definition of ambient music:<em> “As ignorable as it is interesting”</em>, which aligns very well with the definition of what it means to be mindful;&nbsp;<em>"the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something”</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>There’s a lot of ambient music that fulfills this goal, so what’s different here? As I was curating tracks for this mix, I found common themes that resonated with me personally when it came to mindfulness, which I tried to reflect throughout, and ultimately formed a filter for what should be included. Perhaps you’ll identify with one or more and can descend into a rabbit-hole of exploration, or hopefully you'll enjoy it as a whole.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Nature</strong><br />Field recordings and the pure sound of the outdoors is undoubtedly calming and reassuring. It’s an escape from our busy lives, and a reminder of what’s good in our world. The mix opens with my favorite field recording from <em>Biosphere</em> that somehow encapsulates the exact sound I used to hear from the field behind my childhood house. Nature sounds are a common theme throughout this mix, whether on purpose or inadvertently as an intro or ending to certain tracks.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Submersion</strong><br />The warm, blanket-like approach to ambient music is a favorite of mine, often created through analog equipment, or layers of undulating synthesizers that build, wrap and immerse. <em>Markus Guentner, Donnacha Costello, Marcus Fischer, Heathered Pearls, bvdub</em>, and <em>Billow Observatory</em>&nbsp;are just some of the many moments in here that keep you warm and comforted.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Subtle/subliminal layers</strong><br />The <em>KLF’s ‘Chill-out’</em> album is one of ambient music’s most pioneering pieces, and on paper, it really shouldn’t be. The sound of trains, sheep and Elvis Presley are not the first ingredients that come to mind for relaxation, but the key here, is how they’re interwoven into a moving piece of musical art - an undercurrent of subtle moments that on their own would be distracting, but together form a story. They provide moments of interest and escapism - enough to keep one foot in the door, and one foot in a world of your own. I’ve tried to replicate this approach in this mix, by lowering volumes of certain tracks into the background, or including something a little unexpected in a few places, so if you see something you like in the track-list, don’t assume it will feature prominently.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>Choral sounds</strong><br />Beautiful, emotional choir singing is pretty cliche, but who can argue against it when it comes to feeling good? Whether it’s the religious connotations, or just the simple realization that the sound you're hearing is coming from a person, is as stunning as it is comforting. Moments from <em>Hammock</em> and <em>Jonsi &amp; Alex</em> provide the highs in this instance.&nbsp;</p><p><strong>String instruments</strong><br />Whether it’s a slowly drawn cello, a harp, or a lone guitar pluck, there’s something about string instruments when it comes to reflecting positivity (and in the right context, ultimate sadness!) However,&nbsp;I often associate these sounds with light - I have no idea why - but perhaps thats why they feature in here so heavily. Be it the acoustic version of <em>Aphex Twin’s ‘Rhubarb’</em>, <em>Mary Lattimore’s </em>beautiful harp, or <em>Kit’s</em> portrayal of a walk on the beach as fireworks light the horizon.&nbsp;</p><p>Strong-sounds can also go to the other end of the spectrum too, with reverb-laden guitar-haze forming complex palettes that you’d normally expect to come from synthesizers. Examples in here being <em>Manual</em> and to a simpler extent,&nbsp;<em>Neozaïre.&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>Repetition</strong><br />We’re creatures of habits, and the beat of the drum is what makes all music so special. When it comes to ambient music, this often comes to life in loops, or slowly evolving textures that do just enough to keep you intrigued, yet are familiar enough to hypnotize and make you feel comfortable. Given its minimal nature, most ambient music is repetitive, but sometimes it can become more evident in its form, for example, a track here <em>Klimek</em> that anticipates each evolution and movement with a similar instrumental pluck of strings.&nbsp;</p><p>Overall, I have tried to avoid anything that can be seen as daunting, intriguing or so vividly different that you switch into new worlds with every track. You may notice some distinct phases throughout the mix, where similar sounds are tied together, and you may prefer certain phases to others, but eventually I hope you finish on an extremely positive note. Just sat here listening back and writing this, I’m feeling better than I was a few hours back...</p><p>Thanks to everyone who commented on the original Facebook post with their own suggestions, a few of which made it into the final journey.&nbsp;</p><iframe scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/348782027%3Fsecret_token%3Ds-3cSJz&amp;color=%23347a3d&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;wmode=opaque" width="100%" data-embed="true" frameborder="no" height="166"></iframe><iframe allowfullscreen src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dFX7lCATTRc?wmode=opaque" width="700" data-embed="true" frameborder="0" height="400"></iframe><p><a target="_blank" href="http://s141218.gridserver.com/mixes/portals4/portals4.mp3"><strong>Download.</strong></a></p><p>Tracklist + links to buy/download:</p><p></p><p>01. Biosphere - <a target="_blank" href="https://biosphere.bandcamp.com/album/substrata-with-bonus-album">As The Sun Kissed The Horizon</a>&nbsp;[Biophon]<br />02. Ourson - <a target="_blank" href="https://ourson.bandcamp.com/album/collected-natures">Mountain, Calm Day, Birds, Saw</a>&nbsp;[Self]<br />03.&nbsp;Brian Eno, Roger Eno, Daniel Lanois - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Brian-Eno-With-Daniel-Lanois-Roger-Eno-Apollo-Atmospheres-Soundtracks/release/1012612">Deep Blue Day</a>&nbsp;[EG / Polydor]<br />04.&nbsp;Parks - <a target="_blank" href="https://parks.bandcamp.com/album/music-of-full-moon">Forest</a>&nbsp;[Self]<br />05.&nbsp;Kit - <a target="_blank" href="https://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/album/tr-em">Girl Walking on The Beach Wearing A Skirt</a>&nbsp;[A Strangely Isolated Place]<br />06.&nbsp;Sage Taylor - <a target="_blank" href="https://cfmlabel.bandcamp.com/album/raintime">Raintime Ten</a>&nbsp;[Cold Fiction Music]<br />07.&nbsp;Bjorn Rohde - <a target="_blank" href="https://bjornrohde.bandcamp.com/track/intentionally-gone">Intentionally Gone</a>&nbsp;[Self]<br />08.&nbsp;Billow Observatory - <a target="_blank" href="https://billowobservatory.bandcamp.com/album/billow-observatory">Calumet</a>&nbsp;[Felte]<br />09.&nbsp;Hammock - <a target="_blank" href="http://shop.hammockmusic.com/album/mysterium">Now And Not Yet</a>&nbsp;[Hammock Music]<br />10.&nbsp;Heathered Pearls - <a target="_blank" href="https://heatheredpearls.bandcamp.com/album/leveling">Glass Routine</a>&nbsp;[Self]<br />11.&nbsp;Donnacha Costello - <a target="_blank" href="https://donnachacostello.bandcamp.com/album/stay-perfectly-still">This Way</a>&nbsp;[Ursa/Self]<br />12.&nbsp;James Devane - <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/astrangelyisolatedplace/aphex-twin-rhubarb-james-devane-acoustic-version">Rhubarb (Acoustic)</a>&nbsp;[na]<br />13.&nbsp;Aphex Twin - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Aphex-Twin-Selected-Ambient-Works-Volume-II/master/481">Rhubarb</a>&nbsp;[Warp]<br />14.&nbsp;Marcus Fischer - <a target="_blank" href="https://12kmusic.bandcamp.com/album/loss">Arctic 2</a>&nbsp;[Luxus-Arctica records International]<br />15.&nbsp;Helios - <a target="_blank" href="http://store.unseen-music.com/album/eingya">Halving The Compass</a>&nbsp;[Type/Unseen]<br />16.&nbsp;Yeter - <a target="_blank" href="https://astrangelyisolatedplace.bandcamp.com/album/dart">Dart 2</a>&nbsp;[A Strangely Isolated Place]<br />17. bvdub - <a target="_blank" href="https://bvdub.bandcamp.com/album/yours-are-stories-of-sadness">10</a>&nbsp;[Self]<br />18.&nbsp;Markus Guentner - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Various-Pop-Ambient-2003/release/79305">Express Yourself</a>&nbsp;[Kompakt]<br />19.&nbsp;Leyland Kirby - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Various-SMM-Context/master/339257">Polaroid</a>&nbsp;[Ghostly]<br />20.&nbsp;Martin Glass - <a target="_blank" href="https://kitrecs.bandcamp.com/album/the-pacific-visions-of-martin-glass">Welcome To The Four Seasons</a>&nbsp;[Kit Records]<br />21.&nbsp;David Bowie &amp; Brian Eno - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/David-Bowie-Heroes/release/741955">Moss Garden</a> [RCA]<br />22.&nbsp;Klimek - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Klimek-Milk-Honey/release/248999">Sun Rise</a> [Kompakt]<br />23.&nbsp;Mary Lattimore &amp; Jefre Cantu Ledesma - <a target="_blank" href="https://marylattimoreharpist.bandcamp.com/album/returned-to-earth">Borrego Springs</a> [Soap Library]<br />24.&nbsp;Brian Eno - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Brian-Eno-Ambient-1-Music-For-Airports/master/6265">Music For Airports 1/1</a> [Polydor]<br />25.&nbsp;Jonsi &amp; Alex - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/J%C3%B3nsi-Alex-Riceboy-Sleeps/master/163412">Boy 1904</a> [XL/Parlophone]<br />26.&nbsp;Neozaïre - <a target="_blank" href="https://fauxpasmusik.bandcamp.com/album/apothecary-dream">Blue Bell Treasure</a> [Fauxpas]<br />27.&nbsp;Manual - <a target="_blank" href="https://manual.bandcamp.com/album/azure-vista">Azure Vista</a> [Darla]<br />28.&nbsp;Peter Broderick &amp; Nils Frahm - <a target="_blank" href="https://www.discogs.com/Various-Unreleased-Tracks-2009/release/1986505">Sketch 24</a> [Fugues]</p><p>If you enjoyed this, dive deeper into ambient music with our in-depth introduction '<a target="_blank" href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2014/10/12/neither-scene-nor-heard-a-journey-through-ambient-music">Neither Scene Nor Heard: An Introduction to Ambient Music</a>', or some of the other Portals series, below.&nbsp;</p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/G0AHkPYK0z4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Portals: Music For Mindfulnesshttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/10/26/portals-music-for-mindfulnessisolatedmix 73 - Astral IndustriesisolatedmixFeaturesMixesRyan GriffinTue, 17 Oct 2017 03:55:30 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/lwWrn1y7us4/isolatedmix-73-astral-industries54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:59e56a7ff09ca430beb17aae&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="isolatedmix73_2.png" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/59e56aaad55b416e6a0deab7/1508207309980/isolatedmix73_2.png" data-image-dimensions="1000x1000" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="59e56aaad55b416e6a0deab7" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/59e56aaad55b416e6a0deab7/1508207309980/isolatedmix73_2.png?format=1000w" />
<p>Since 2014, UK-based label,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://astralindustries.bandcamp.com/"><strong><em>Astral Industries</em></strong></a> have been responsible for some of the most enlightening and entertaining releases of recent years. Their output has helped otherwise forgotten or out of print music see the light of day,&nbsp;provided new takes on previous classics, whilst also pushing forward new music by some of the most well-respected artists within the ambient genre.&nbsp;</p><p>Debuting with a release by dub-techno legend <em>DeepChord</em> in 2014, <em>Astral Industries </em>went on to release <em>Wolfgang Voigt's</em> live project,&nbsp;<em>Rückverzauberung Live In London</em> in 2015.&nbsp; In 2016 they followed with a 1985 recording from disbanded dutch collective <em>Chi </em>- a timeless and undoubtedly classic record, whilst in the same year pitching <em>Wolfgang</em> and <em>Deepchord</em> together for the very first time, with reinterpretations of <em>Peter Michael Hamel's</em> classic,&nbsp;<em>Colors of Time</em>. By then, and combined with the continually brilliant artwork of <em><a target="_blank" href="http://thoughtcloudfactory.com/">Theo Ellsworth</a></em>, we knew that <em>Astral Industries</em> was a label with staying-power, and a growing catalog of releases worth collecting - be it just for the framed artwork, or moreover, the complete music package.&nbsp;</p><p>In 2017, we've seen an LP by <em>Heavenly Music Corporation</em>, aka <em>Kim Cascone</em> (likely encouraged by the recent re-release of his own label <em><a href="http://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog?tag=Silent%20Records">Silent Records</a></em>), a third LP by <em>The Chi Factory</em>, and then just last month a beautiful album by <em>Waveform Transmission</em>&nbsp;(<em>Rod Modell</em> of<em> DeepChord</em> and <em>Chris Troy</em>), with a sublime follow-up album, a massive 20 years after their first.&nbsp;</p><p>The man behind the <em>Astral Industries</em> machine, <em>Ario</em> is a proven expert at plucking obscure gems from the past, or ensuring that good music gets the platform and artistic presentation it deserves. In just a few years, <em>Ario</em> has curated a highly respected and anticipated label roster that demands attention, and has yet to disappoint. The music is always gentle, deep and often extremely vivid, be it deeply hypnotic ambient, or gentle murmurs of dub-techno.&nbsp;</p><p>With curatorial talents like this, we're overjoyed to host an exclusive 2hr+ mix of <em>Ario</em> digging into his record collection, and interlocking a few select exclusive <em>Astral Industries</em> bits in-between. It's one hell-of-a hypnotic journey and just like the <em>Astral Industries</em>&nbsp;releases, deserved of your full undivided, escapist attention.</p><iframe scrolling="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/tracks/347257607&amp;color=%2300aabb&amp;auto_play=false&amp;hide_related=false&amp;show_comments=true&amp;show_user=true&amp;show_reposts=false&amp;show_teaser=true&amp;wmode=opaque" width="100%" data-embed="true" frameborder="no" height="166"></iframe><p><strong><a target="_blank" href="http://s141218.gridserver.com/mixes/isolatedmix73/isolatedmix73.mp3">Download.&nbsp;</a></strong></p><p><em>No track list on this one, due to the many unreleased pieces included in the mix.&nbsp;<br />Artwork image by label artist <a target="_blank" href="http://thoughtcloudfactory.com/">Theo Ellsworth</a>.&nbsp;</em></p><p><strong>Astral Industries </strong><a target="_blank" href="http://www.astralindustries.co.uk/">Web</a><strong> </strong>| <a target="_blank" href="https://astralindustries.bandcamp.com/">Bandcamp</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://soundcloud.com/astralindustries">Soundcloud</a> | <a target="_blank" href="https://www.facebook.com/astralindustries/">Facebook</a>&nbsp;| <a target="_blank" href="https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/ario">RA</a></p>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
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</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/lwWrn1y7us4" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>isolatedmix 73 - Astral Industrieshttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/10/16/isolatedmix-73-astral-industriesJason van Wyk - OpacityFeaturesReviewsRyan GriffinSat, 30 Sep 2017 22:46:53 +0000http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~3/GWjTA_QrTpY/jason-van-wyk-opacity54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6:54f937e3e4b0a7ee1e8a9149:59d01aa29f8dcefe14a8ff5b&nbsp;
<img class="thumb-image" alt="a1034193785_10.jpg" data-image="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/59d01acdd2b8576610365bf5/1506810579431/a1034193785_10.jpg" data-image-dimensions="1200x1200" data-image-focal-point="0.5,0.5" data-load="false" data-image-id="59d01acdd2b8576610365bf5" data-type="image" src="https://static1.squarespace.com/static/54f7ac3be4b029ca044cd2a6/t/59d01acdd2b8576610365bf5/1506810579431/a1034193785_10.jpg?format=1000w" />
<p>It's always easy to make comparisons in music,&nbsp;but they come in handy when you find something that mirrors musical styles that are hard to come-by, or moreover, hard to do well.</p><p><em>Jason van Wyk's</em> new album on <em>Home Normal</em> bears a striking resemblance to some of our most recent innovators in the modern-classical space. Combining piano, strings, and soft pads that stretch to a limitless horizon, <em>Opacity</em>&nbsp;reminds me of soundtracks that would come often from the likes of <em>Jon Hopkins</em>, with tracks such as <em>Glow </em>and<em> Beneath</em>, combining poignant backgrounds with very simple piano or string melodies as heard in the likes of <em>Monsters OST</em>.&nbsp;</p><p>Later on in the album, <em>Jason</em> brings more electronics to the fray, and suddenly <em>Nils Frahm</em>-style synthesizers bounce around more gentle piano pieces in <em>For Now</em>, <em>Weightless </em>and the more epic album closer,<em> Eyes Shut.&nbsp;</em></p><p>The only reason I call out these comparisons, is to urge you to listen. I can either do that, or continue with superlatives detailing how great this is...&nbsp;</p><p><a target="_blank" href="https://homenormal.bandcamp.com/album/opacity">Available on Bandcamp.&nbsp;</a></p><iframe seamless src="https://bandcamp.com/EmbeddedPlayer/album=3492681571/size=large/bgcol=ffffff/linkcol=63b2cc/artwork=small/transparent=true/?wmode=opaque" data-embed="true"><a href="http://homenormal.bandcamp.com/album/opacity">Opacity by Jason van Wyk</a></iframe>&nbsp;<div class="feedflare">
<a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=GWjTA_QrTpY:r1-4vpvp_pk:I9og5sOYxJI"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=I9og5sOYxJI" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=GWjTA_QrTpY:r1-4vpvp_pk:yIl2AUoC8zA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=yIl2AUoC8zA" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=GWjTA_QrTpY:r1-4vpvp_pk:qj6IDK7rITs"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=qj6IDK7rITs" border="0"></img></a> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?a=GWjTA_QrTpY:r1-4vpvp_pk:7Q72WNTAKBA"><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/astrangelyisolatedplace?d=7Q72WNTAKBA" border="0"></img></a>
</div><img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/astrangelyisolatedplace/~4/GWjTA_QrTpY" height="1" width="1" alt=""/>Jason van Wyk - Opacityhttp://www.astrangelyisolatedplace.com/blog/2017/9/30/jason-van-wyk-opacity